alone 1 of 2

adverb

Definition of alonenext
1
as in independently
without aid or support completely new to the big city, she nevertheless managed to find her way home alone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in only
for nothing other than would willingly play professional baseball for the sheer enjoyment alone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alone

2 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈlōn How to pronounce alone (audio)
1
as in lonely
not being in the company of others no one realized the boy was alone in his room so they all left for the movies without him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in one
being the one or ones of a class with no other members he is alone among the actors of his generation in his exceptional ability to play both comedic and serious parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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an alone time
a solitary time
a private time
a secluded time
a personal time
an alone group
a solitary group
an individual group
a separated group
a singular group
a separate group
an alone entity
a solo entity
a complete entity
a sole entity
an unique entity
a single entity
an alone system
a solo system
a solitary system
an individual system
an independent system
a separate system
an alone product
a single product
a complete product
a separate product
an independent product
a whole product

Synonym Chooser

How is the word alone distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of alone are desolate, forlorn, lonely, lonesome, lone, and solitary. While all these words mean "isolated from others," 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 can desolate be used instead of alone?

The meanings of desolate and alone 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 alone?

In some situations, the words forlorn and alone are roughly equivalent. However, 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 alone?

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

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

How do lonely and solitary relate to one another, in the sense of alone?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

In what contexts can lonesome take the place of alone?

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

an only child often leads a lonesome life

When could solitary be used to replace alone?

While in some cases nearly identical to alone, 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 alone
Adverb
In 2021 alone, the FAA initiated more than 1,000 investigations into passenger interference with crews or flight operations, compared to the historical average of fewer than 150 per year, according to FAA Incident Data. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025 On piano, Yoyo has placed in three major competitions in 2025 alone. —Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
Adjective
In your suite, enjoy some alone time with an extravagant meal accompanied by champagne, served course by course on a white tablecloth on your private veranda. —AFAR Media, 3 July 2025 While community complaints about noise and lines exist, the officer stated those alone don't justify denying the renewal. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for alone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alone
  1. only
  2. lonely
  3. one
  4. separately
  5. solely
  6. lone
  7. just
  8. single
Adverb
  • Forecasters said environmental conditions are expected to only be marginally conducive for development of this system, and the hurricane center said the storm has a 10% chance of formation through the next seven days.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Stephenson was out only 13 months from Tommy John surgery before returning to the mound for two games in late May.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
Definition of only
Adjective
  • While Bowie envisioned an Earth careening toward apocalypse in a flamboyant, theatrical cry, Drake’s five leaves are quieter, lonelier — more like the end of a season than the end of a world.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
  • By January, Musk had transitioned to lieutenant, making up DOGE, complete with cringey swag, like a lonely preteen dreaming up a secret club in his tree house.
    — Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Definition of lonely
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    — SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    — Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Definition of one
Adverb
  • However, Rodriguez was adamant about living separately, while Craig wanted the opposite.
    — Giana Levy, Variety, 13 July 2025
  • The brand recommends machine washing them separately in cold water before using them for the first time and tumble drying them to ensure the towels stay soft and fluffy.
    — Maggie Horton, People.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of separately
Adverb
  • Lobstermen with solely a state permit in the conservation management area had faced less restrictive maximum size and V-notch rules over the decades compared to those with a federal permit.
    — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
  • They are gained solely to satisfy the rule and can cost thousands of dollars, potentially delaying entry into the workforce.
    — Bryce Welker, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of solely
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
Adverb
  • As a result, their bonus pool is just $6.57 million, third lowest among MLB teams.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Officers responded just after 7 p.m. to Truman Road and Missouri 78 Highway on a reported crash.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Definition of just
Adjective
  • For a single taxpayer, the 12% tax rate applied on taxable income from $11,926 through $48,475 in 2025.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • The deduction is completely phased out for single filers earning above $150,000 and married couples with incomes above $250,000.
    — Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Definition of single

Phrases Containing alone

Browse Nearby Words

aloft
alone
aloneness
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Cite this Entry

“Alone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alone. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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