Synonyms for

Hermit

Verb / ˈhɜ:mʌt / Another word for hermit — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a person who lives alone and avoids other people

Synonyms & similar words

solitary troglodyte solitudinarian anchorite recluse recluse solitary loner anchorite ascetic eremite isolated secluded withdrawn monk nun misanthrope misogynist outsider introvert shut-in homebody lonely unsociable

Synonyms by register

Formal

recluse ascetic eremite

Informal

loner shut-in solitary person

Literary

anchorite hermitage dweller

Antonyms

socialite gregarious person extrovert joiner sociable person company keeper

Common collocations

  • live as a hermit
  • a religious hermit
  • a mountain hermit
  • a hermit crab
  • the life of a hermit
  • a hermit's cave
  • a hermit's dwelling

Word family

noun hermitage
adjective hermitic

Usage note

While 'hermit' often implies voluntary isolation, it can also refer to someone who lives in a secluded place due to circumstances. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being unsociable.

Example sentences

  1. The hermit spent most of his time meditating in his cave.
  2. The old man who lived in the cabin by the lake was a hermit.
  3. The hermit refused to come out of his hut when the visitors arrived.
  4. The hermit was known for his wisdom and kindness.
  5. The hermit's only companion was his pet cat.

Quotes

  • I'm a bit of a hermit.
  • I am a hermit in the city.
  • I'm not a hermit, I'm just a solitary person.

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