solitude

noun

sol·​i·​tude ˈsä-lə-ˌtüd How to pronounce solitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
Synonyms of solitude
1
: the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : seclusion
2
: a lonely place (such as a desert)

Synonyms of solitude

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solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.

a few quiet hours of solitude

isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

seclusion suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life.

lived in pastoral seclusion

Examples of solitude in a Sentence

She wished to work on her novel in solitude. He enjoyed the peace and solitude of the woods.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Because elk are social animals, forming large herds and seasonal harems, the bull must have had a sense of its solitude. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 These evergreen or deciduous shrubs protect your garden oasis from prying eyes and create a sense of solitude. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon. — Usa Today, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Outside of Saturday afternoon Mass, there’s little break to the solitude. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for solitude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin solitudin-, solitudo, from solus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solitude was in the 14th century

Rhymes for solitude

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Browse Nearby Words

soliton
solitude
solitudinarian
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Cite this Entry

“Solitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solitude. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

solitude

noun
sol·​i·​tude ˈsäl-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce solitude (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being alone or far-off from society : seclusion, loneliness
2
: a lonely place (as a desert)
Etymology

Middle English solitude "the state of being alone," from early French solitude (same meaning), from Latin solitudin-, solitudo (same meaning), from solus "alone" — related to desolate, sole entry 4, solo

More from Merriam-Webster on solitude

Nglish: Translation of solitude for Spanish Speakers

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