Synonyms of alone

alone 1 of 2

adverb

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

• independently
• separately
• solely
• individually
• singly
• single-handedly
• unassisted
• single-handed
• unaided
• on one's own initiative
• on one's own
• by one's own bootstraps
• on one's own hook
• solo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• together
• jointly
• collectively
• mutually
• cooperatively
• hand in hand
• conjointly
• hand in glove
• en masse

2

as in only

for nothing other than

would willingly play professional baseball for the sheer enjoyment alone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• only
• solely
• just
• purely
• exclusively
• simply
• primarily
• mostly
• mainly
• basically
• largely
• principally
• generally
• chiefly
• substantially
• predominantly
• by and large

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• also
• likewise
• besides
• additionally

alone

2 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈlōn 

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

• lonely
• lone
• single
• solitary
• solo
• unaccompanied
• lonesome
• separated
• isolated
• on one's own
• deserted
• secluded
• friendless
• unattended
• isolate
• divided
• abandoned
• unchaperoned
• withdrawn
• retired
• cloistered
• segregated
• sequestered
• disassociated
• insulated
• forsaken
• separate
• neglected
• detached
• quarantined
• hermetic
• unconnected
• unattached
• forgotten
• dissociated
• disunited
• remote
• forlorn
• adrift
• unlinked
• disjointed
• disconnected
• fractionated
• lorn
• desolate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accompanied
• attended
• adjacent
• adjoining
• next-door
• contiguous
• coupled
• neighboring
• connected
• attached
• communicating
• escorted
• linked
• chaperoned

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

• only
• one
• lone
• special
• unique
• solitary
• sole
• single
• singular
• sui generis
• distinctive
• unattended
• unaccompanied
• distinct
• solo
• unparalleled
• unrivaled
• one-off
• incomparable
• unequaled
• peerless
• matchless
• unmatched
• unsurpassable
• separate
• unsurpassed
• inimitable
• individual
• nonce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mixed
• myriad
• multifarious
• varied
• manifold
• miscellaneous
• prevalent
• promiscuous
• assorted
• popular
• rampant
• heterogenous
• prevailing
• divers
• patchwork
• recurrent
• repeated
• perennial
• motley

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

Recent Examples of alone

Adverb

To figure it out, researchers had people break bread both in duos and alone. — Regina G. Barber, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

Those figures cover its broader business, rather than cotton alone. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Mejia has been virtually alone in calling for more information from the Olympic organizers. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Sea levels have risen 8 inches alone in the last 30 years, and another foot is on the way by about 2050, research suggests. — Alex Harris updated September 27, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing alone

• let alone