lonely

adjective

ˈlōn-lē How to pronounce lonely (audio)
Definition of lonelynext
1
as in lone
not being in the company of others a single lonely cactus in the desert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lonesome
sad from lack of companionship or separation from others I was lonely when I first got to Los Angeles, but I soon made friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the lonely streets of a honky-tonk beach town in the off-season

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lonely distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lonely are alone, desolate, forlorn, lonesome, lone, and solitary. While all these words mean "isolated from others," lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

When is it sensible to use alone instead of lonely?

In some situations, the words alone and lonely are roughly equivalent. 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

When could desolate be used to replace lonely?

The synonyms desolate and lonely are sometimes interchangeable, but desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement.

desolate after her brother's death

Where would forlorn be a reasonable alternative to lonely?

The words forlorn and lonely are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 lonely?

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

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

In what contexts can lonesome take the place of lonely?

The words lonesome and lonely can be used in similar contexts, but lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy.

an only child often leads a lonesome life

When would solitary be a good substitute for lonely?

While the synonyms solitary and lonely are close in meaning, 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 lonely Rarely has a billion-dollar blockbuster felt so sad and lonely. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025 Charlie gets to slow down a little this episode after meeting the lonely Alex, and finds herself more behind than usual when looking into the mystery. —Matt Minton, Variety, 26 June 2025 These lonely senior citizens arrive at a Los Angeles bungalow where Fish, newly discharged from an asylum, wrestles with an imagined demon and Poinsettia mourns a fantasy romance with composer Giacomo Puccini. —Armond White, National Review, 25 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for lonely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lonely
  1. lone
  2. lonesome
  3. bleak
  4. solitary
  5. desolate
  6. dark
  7. single
  8. forlorn
Adjective
  • Veteran closer Aroldis Chapman is expected to be the lone Red Sox player to take part in Tuesday’s game, which will be played at Truist Park in Atlanta starting at 8 p.m.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • While Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg — the lone cast member to be Oscar-nominated here — get the showier roles, Leo gives a more internal performance as Billy Costigan Jr., a rookie cop who was broken long before going undercover.
    — Derek Lawrence, EW.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of lone
Adjective
  • By the end of the night, however, any external, discerning traits fade away, leaving Scott by his lonesome.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Williams knew the self was something else—the basic, lonesome unit of tragedy.
    — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of lonesome
Adjective
  • Some traders said the numbers were less severe than analysts' bleak forecasts.
    — Sabrina Valle, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • No one is as funny and as bleak in the same sentence, or maybe even the same word.
    — Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • They are known to be solitary and nocturnal, but can sometimes be found in small family groups.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Definition of solitary
Adjective
  • Griffith also describes in vivid detail the desolate Hopi landscape and the villages atop the three mesas.
    — Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Despite its desolate appearance, Bouvet is surprisingly rich in bird life.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • Look for bronze or dark spots on the foliage or prominent purple veins.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
  • Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Machado began the bottom of the sixth with a single grounded through the middle of the infield on the first pitch of his at-bat.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Support individual stems with single bamboo stakes; multiple stems may benefit from a grow-through grid or tomato cage.
    — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Definition of single
Adjective
  • San Diego is preparing to offer the forlorn and soon-to-be empty municipal building on the outskirts of the Civic Center for sale or lease.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2025
  • Now you were nailed to one spot, wearing this forlorn or broken expression.
    — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
Definition of forlorn

Browse Nearby Words

loneliness
lonely
loner
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Cite this Entry

“Lonely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lonely. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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