solitary

2 of 2

noun

as in hermit
a person who lives away from others weary of European civilization, the painter Paul Gauguin famously abandoned France to become a solitary in the South Seas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word solitary distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of solitary are alone, desolate, forlorn, lonely, lonesome, and lone. While all these words mean "isolated from others," solitary may indicate isolation as a chosen course, but more often it suggests sadness and a sense of loss.

glorying in the calm of her solitary life
left solitary by the death of his wife

When can alone be used instead of solitary?

The meanings of alone and solitary largely overlap; however, alone stresses the objective fact of being by oneself with slighter notion of emotional involvement than most of the remaining terms.

everyone needs to be alone sometimes

In what contexts can desolate take the place of solitary?

The words desolate and solitary can be used in similar contexts, but desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement.

desolate after her brother's death

When is it sensible to use forlorn instead of solitary?

Although the words forlorn and solitary have much in common, forlorn stresses dejection, woe, and listlessness at separation from one held dear.

a forlorn lost child

How does the word lone relate to other synonyms for solitary?

Lone may replace lonely or lonesome but typically is as objective as alone.

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

How do lonely and solitary relate to one another?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

When is lonesome a more appropriate choice than solitary?

The synonyms lonesome and solitary are sometimes interchangeable, but lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy.

an only child often leads a lonesome life

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of solitary
Adjective
As the historian Peter Galison has written, Alvarez did for peacetime science what Andy Warhol did for art, turning it from a solitary pursuit into a factory. Alec Nevala-Lee june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025 Gallstones can be numerous or solitary, small like a grain of sand or large like a golf ball.3 Gallstones that block the bile ducts may cause symptoms but not always. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
Noun
Former convicts also said that men in solitary had to put away their beds from waking call to sleep time, forcing them to stand or sit for most of the day. Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The changes allow inmates in solitary to participate in additional rehabilitative programming and shave time off their isolation by earning credits. Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for solitary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solitary
Adjective
  • The Changing Face Of Threats Modern attackers are not lone hackers in basements.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Oregon State and Washington State had been the lone schools in the Pac-12 since 2024, after 10 schools defected to the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC ahead of the 2024-25 academic year.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • On social media, there’s a certain kind of influencer who specializes in attracting lonely, unhappy people by brandishing mantras and principles that will allegedly lead them to more fulfilled and successful lives.
    Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • Over in her Hawaiian home land, 19-year-old Nani (Tia Carrere) has been trying her best to fend for herself and her lonely little sister Lilo (beautifully voiced by young Daveigh Chase) in the absence of their parents.
    Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Later, in 1254, Pope Alexander IV included other groups of hermits in the order, known as the Grand Union.
    Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 27 May 2025
  • The Asian hermit spider’s unique adaptation might seem strange to some and brilliant to others.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Edgecombe, 19, averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists for Baylor in his only collegiate season.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 25 June 2025
  • How to watch 'Love Island USA' Season 7 New episodes come out on Peacock each night Thursday to Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET, meaning the only day without a new episode is Wednesday.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Spread on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm (if time) to prevent clumping.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, the Sox had just one hit — a single by Ryan Noda to begin the game — through five innings against Blue Jays starter José Berríos.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Adjective
  • The video comes as Jelly is currently on tour, balancing solo dates with joint stadium shows with Post Malone.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • More importantly, her fans have played a vital role in her solo success.
    Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Musk, who served in a special White House post that ended May 30, became sharply critical of Trump’s package of legislative priorities that congressional agencies have said will raise deficit spending and the national debt.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • That was why this moment—and this fruit—was so special.
    Tom Downey, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solitary. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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