LONE Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lone' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lone are alone , desolate , forlorn , lonely , lonesome , and solitary . While all these words mean "isolated from others," lone may replace lonely or lonesome but typically is as objective as alone . // a lone robin pecking at the lawn

Q: When would 'alone' be a good substitute for 'lone'?

The words alone and lone can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'desolate' instead of 'lone'?

The meanings of desolate and lone largely overlap; however, desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement. // desolate after her brother's death

Q: When is 'forlorn' a more appropriate choice than 'lone'?

Although the words forlorn and lone have much in common, forlorn stresses dejection, woe, and listlessness at separation from one held dear. // a forlorn lost child

Q: How are the words 'lonely' and 'solitary' related as synonyms of 'lone'?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship. // felt lonely and forsaken

Q: When might 'lonesome' be a better fit than 'lone'?

The synonyms lonesome and lone are sometimes interchangeable, but lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy. // an only child often leads a lonesome life

Q: When can 'solitary' be used instead of 'lone'?

In some situations, the words solitary and lone are roughly equivalent. However, 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

lone

adjective

ˈlōn

Definition of lone next

as in only

being the one or ones of a class with no other members the lone ripe apple in the entire bag

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in single

not being in the company of others just one lone cow in the middle of the field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lone distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lone are alone, desolate, forlorn, lonely, lonesome, and solitary. While all these words mean "isolated from others," lone may replace lonely or lonesome but typically is as objective as alone.

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

When would alone be a good substitute for lone?

The words alone and lone can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When is it sensible to use desolate instead of lone?

The meanings of desolate and lone largely overlap; however, desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement.

desolate after her brother's death

When is forlorn a more appropriate choice than lone?

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

a forlorn lost child

How are the words lonely and solitary related as synonyms of lone?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

When might lonesome be a better fit than lone?

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

an only child often leads a lonesome life

When can solitary be used instead of lone?

In some situations, the words solitary and lone are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 lone Many still don’t believe a lone gunman killed JFK The official government investigation of the JFK assassination by the Warren Commission was intended to close the book on the murder that ended America’s Camelot presidency. —

Andy Rose, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025 Morley, however, sees the unreleased files as a potential treasure trove of information that could undermine the lone gunman theory. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 Prior to the Dodge Viper, Chevrolet’s Corvette had pretty much been the lone star on the American sports-car stage since the mid-1950s. —

Robert Ross, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025 Mariano Rivera remains the lone unanimous vote-getter, accomplishing the feat in 2019. —

Ryan Morik, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lone

Adjective

In 1892, he was elected once again, becoming the 24th president of the U.S. and the only former president to be restored to the office — until Trump’s victory in the 2024 election.

— Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
Prior to Trump's 2024 victory, Democrat Grover Cleveland was the only president to have done so.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025