as in solitude
the state of being alone or kept apart from others
it was an overwhelming sense of aloneness that eventually drove the island castaway mad
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Recent Examples of aloneness
People often refer to aloneness and writer’s block as the two great challenges of being a novelist.
—
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Nov. 2025
This is a telling fantasy—to feel more content in one’s dreamed aloneness than in real society.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Nov. 2025
This is a telling fantasy—to feel more content in one’s dreamed aloneness than in real society.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aloneness
Noun
-
Perhaps most importantly, comfort with solitude transforms the experience.—
Lauren Schuster,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Books are written in solitude, but writers do some of their finest work with crowds—in public talks, interviews, and events.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To bag the loveliest tables, which jut out in frond-like tendrils towards the sea and afford extra privacy, opt for an early dinner.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The woman, whom Newtown referred to only as Jessica to protect her privacy, activated her personal locator beacon.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Note, social isolation refers to the lack of contact with others; loneliness is more subjective, a feeling.—
Helen Dennis,
Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Gratitude for having a place to close your eyes doesn’t erase the loneliness of nomadic living.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Spacecraft interiors, mission protocols and the psychological challenges of long-duration isolation were grounded in actual engineering and psychological research.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
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Studies also show social media provides incredible benefits for most teens in battling isolation, boosting writing and providing access to information.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aloneness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aloneness. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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