solitary
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for solitary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Alone; without any companions present.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use solitary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin sōlitārius, "alone" — the same root that gives us "solitaire".
Full origin of solitary →Frequently asked questions
What does “solitary” mean?
The word “solitary” means alone; without any companions present. In plain terms, being alone, or a place that's quiet and cut off from other people.
How do you pronounce “solitary”?
“Solitary” is pronounced SO-liht-ree (/ˈsɑlɪˌtɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “solitary” in a sentence?
Here is “solitary” used in a sentence: “He took a solitary walk along the beach at dawn.”
What part of speech is “solitary”?
“Solitary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “solitary” come from?
The word “solitary” comes from Latin. From Latin sōlitārius, "alone" — the same root that gives us "solitaire".
Is “solitary” a common word?
“Solitary” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “solitary” have?
“Solitary” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: alone; without any companions present.
What is the difference between "solitary" and "lonely"?
"Solitary" simply describes being alone or without companions, or a place that is remote and rarely visited, without necessarily implying an emotional state. "Lonely" specifically conveys sadness or distress from a lack of companionship, so someone can be solitary by choice without being lonely.
What is the difference between "solitary" and "single" when describing an object?
When applied to objects or instances, "solitary" means being the only one of its kind in a given place, emphasizing isolation or scarcity. "Single" more broadly just means one, without necessarily implying isolation.
Can "solitary" describe a place as well as a person?
Yes, "solitary" can describe a place that is remote, quiet, and rarely visited by other people, such as a solitary cabin, in addition to describing a person who is alone without companions.