lonesome

adjective

ˈlōn(t)-səm How to pronounce lonesome (audio)
Definition of lonesomenext
1
as in lonely
sad from lack of companionship or separation from others a lonesome kitten left at the pound by its hard-hearted owners

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lone
not being in the company of others a lonesome cypress tree on a rocky, windswept point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the playground seems especially lonesome now that there are no young children in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lonesome distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lonesome are alone, desolate, forlorn, lonely, lone, and solitary. While all these words mean "isolated from others," lonesome heightens the suggestion of sadness and poignancy.

an only child often leads a lonesome life

When is alone a more appropriate choice than lonesome?

In some situations, the words alone and lonesome are roughly equivalent. However, 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 could desolate be used to replace lonesome?

While in some cases nearly identical to lonesome, desolate implies inconsolable grief at loss or bereavement.

desolate after her brother's death

When is it sensible to use forlorn instead of lonesome?

Although the words forlorn and lonesome have much in common, 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 lonesome?

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

a lone robin pecking at the lawn

How are the words lonely and solitary related as synonyms of lonesome?

Lonely adds to solitary a suggestion of longing for companionship.

felt lonely and forsaken

When can solitary be used instead of lonesome?

The meanings of solitary and lonesome largely overlap; however, 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 lonesome Williams knew the self was something else—the basic, lonesome unit of tragedy. —Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025 Like being in the corner office, swimming can largely feel like a lonesome single-person sport (the 1500m freestyle is 30 laps back and forth for over 15 minutes). —Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 June 2025 The original film followed a group of high schoolers who find an unlikely, intergenerational friend in Sue Ann Ellington, a lonesome veterinarian and devoted party animal played by Spencer. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 4 June 2025 This has often been a lonesome endeavor, but Trump’s assault on democracy, financed by some of America’s richest people, has fortified the group’s arguments. —Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lonesome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lonesome
  1. lonely
  2. lone
  3. bleak
  4. solitary
  5. dark
  6. single
  7. desolate
  8. solo
Adjective
  • But men and women who are flying solo—without a spouse—typically report their lives to be less meaningful and more lonely.
    — Brad Wilcox, The Atlantic, 29 July 2025
  • The series is handsomely composed — NFL Films knows how to capture sunlight slanting through shoulder pads and the lonely geometry of empty stadiums.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
Definition of lonely
Adjective
  • Gomez, the lone Democrat on the commission, said she was troubled by Paramount’s payment to settle a suit brought by President Trump and by other concessions.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 24 July 2025
  • Emergency responders arrived on the scene and assisted the lone survivor.
    — Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 23 July 2025
Definition of lone
Adjective
  • Many people were concerned about their financial situation, as the overall economic outlook was bleak.
    — Rocky Sharma, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Morale among agency staff is bleak, according to one CDC official who spoke on the condition that they not be named for fear of reprisals.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • They are known to be solitary and nocturnal, but can sometimes be found in small family groups.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Definition of solitary
Adjective
  • These Quince ponte pants are a great option, available in a variety of darker hues that won’t attract stains.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Saturday's clip also clarified that the blue sections of the costume are a darker shade of the color — and more reflective — than earlier versions.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Machado began the bottom of the sixth with a single grounded through the middle of the infield on the first pitch of his at-bat.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • 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
Definition of single
Adjective
  • Padam and Tulsi, whose remote Himalayan village has become increasingly desolate as families migrate to cities, leaving the pair to wonder who will perform their last rites.
    — Variety Staff, Variety, 25 July 2025
  • Imagine how desolate the Democrats are that a Democrat running on affordability is an anti-establishment Democrat.
    — Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • The exhibition, which originated at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and is on view through August 10 at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, would have been the Smithsonian’s first solo presentation of a contemporary Black artist.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 25 July 2025
  • Last but not least, luxe hostels are a solid option that appeal to people of all ages, from families to solo travelers.
    — Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Definition of solo

Browse Nearby Words

loners
lonesome
lonesomeness
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Cite this Entry

“Lonesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lonesome. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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