Synonyms for

Orphan

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

Definition

A child whose parents are both dead or have abandoned them.

Synonyms & similar words

foundling desolate bereaved deprived abandoned homeless lonely parentless unloved castaway displaced vagrant wanderer stray inmate outcast vagabond disinherited

Synonyms by register

Formal

destitute child waif abandoned child

Informal

kid without parents lost soul

Literary

foundling waif unparented child

Antonyms

parent guardian protector caretaker heir

Common collocations

  • orphan child
  • orphanage
  • orphan drug
  • orphan status
  • orphan train
  • orphan asteroid

Word family

noun orphan
verb orphan
adjective orphaned

Usage note

While 'orphan' can refer to a child whose parents have died, it is also used in specific contexts like 'orphan drug' (a medication for a rare disease) or 'orphan asteroid' (an asteroid with an unusual orbit).

Example sentences

  1. The orphanage was filled with children waiting for a family.
  2. The young boy became an orphan after his parents died in a car accident.
  3. The kind woman adopted the orphan and gave him a happy home.
  4. The orphan felt sad and alone without a family to call his own.
  5. The orphanage held a fundraiser to help support the children's needs.

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