Synonyms for

Lonely

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

Definition

feeling sad and alone because you have no one around you

Synonyms & similar words

lone solitary alone lonesome unfrequented solitary desolate isolated forlorn unhappy miserable sad depressed blue melancholy gloomy despondent downcast dejected unloved abandoned friendless alone lonesome solitude

Synonyms by register

Formal

solitary isolated secluded

Informal

all alone by myself on my own

Literary

desolate forlorn bereft

Antonyms

popular sociable accompanied loved connected gregarious happy

Common collocations

  • feeling lonely
  • lonely hearts
  • lonely planet
  • lonely road
  • lonely child
  • lonely night
  • lonely place

Word family

noun loneliness
adjective lonely
adverb lonely

Usage note

While 'lonely' often implies sadness due to lack of companionship, 'solitary' can simply mean being alone without necessarily feeling unhappy. 'Lonely' carries a stronger emotional connotation.

Example sentences

  1. She felt lonely without her friends around.
  2. The old man was lonely since his wife passed away.
  3. The little girl felt lonely because she had no siblings.
  4. The deserted island made him feel lonely.
  5. She found herself feeling lonely in the big city.

Quotes

  • The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.
  • The best part about being alone is that you really don't have to answer to anybody. You do what you want.
  • The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.

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