lone wolf

noun

Synonyms of lone wolfnext
: a person who prefers to work, act, or live alone
lone-wolf
ˈlōn-ˌwu̇lf How to pronounce lone wolf (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of lone wolf

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Examples of lone wolf in a Sentence

He had the reputation of being a lone wolf in high school. a lone wolf in the art world, he has his own style and paints only to please himself
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.
The policies, which treated the attackers as lone wolves, were thought to have successfully avoided escalation. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026 In that episode, lone wolf Gibbs got a new special friend, an adorable dog. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Unlike solitary hunters such as leopards or tigers, wolves pursue prey that often outweighs them considerably, which means a lone wolf is, in practical terms, an ineffective one. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The assessment, which was based on disruptions, incidents, and violent extremist propaganda, says the potentially enormous crowds make the parade a high priority for lone wolf attackers, the official said. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lone wolf

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lone wolf was in 1909

Rhymes for lone wolf

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Browse Nearby Words

lone troop
lone wolf
long
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Cite this Entry

“Lone wolf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lone%20wolf. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lone wolf

noun
: a person who prefers to act, live, or work alone : loner
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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