Solitary meaning

What does “solitary” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“solitary” is a noun and adjective with 7 meanings. Its most common meaning is: confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners.

solitary

confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners
“he was held in solitary”
Synonymssolitary confinement
one who lives in solitude
Synonymshermit recluse solitudinarian troglodyte

characterized by or preferring solitude
“a lone wolf”
“a lonely existence”
Synonymslone lonely
of plants and animals; not growing or living in groups or colonies
“solitary bees”
Synonymsnongregarious nonsocial
lacking companions or companionship
“he was alone when we met him”
“she is alone much of the time”
Synonymsalone lone lonely
being the only one; single and isolated from others
“the lone doctor in the entire county”
“a lonesome pine”
Synonymslone lonesome only sole
devoid of creatures
“a lonely crossroads”
“a solitary retreat”
Synonymslonely unfrequented

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University