Definition of seclusionnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word seclusion distinct from other similar nouns?

The words isolation and solitude are common synonyms of seclusion. While all three words mean "the state of one who is alone," 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

Where would isolation be a reasonable alternative to seclusion?

The synonyms isolation and seclusion are sometimes interchangeable, but isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

When would solitude be a good substitute for seclusion?

The words solitude and seclusion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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 seclusion An immersive design,182 guestrooms, suites and villas are tucked discreetly across 60 acres of mangroves and freshwater canals, balancing seclusion with a strong sense of rooted place. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 She was placed in the seclusion room, but police requested a warrant for her on the current charges. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 14 Jan. 2026 The shift is abrupt and deliberate, marking the threshold between Seminyak’s glorious disorder and the calm seclusion of the Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali. Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 12 Jan. 2026 In pre-internet 1987, Conor and his dog Sandy live a life of seclusion, lost in the slow-rendering graphics of early Macs and televisions aglow with late night horror movie marathons. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • For a more challenging trek, Pacheco Canyon rewards hikers with solitude and stunning views.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
  • While the cruise line allows kids on board, grown-ups seeking solitude can head straight to the adults-only Solarium, a tranquil pool area ideal for relaxation.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Tim Cook’s Apple represents a different but equally important leadership model—integrating advanced intelligence into daily life with a strong emphasis on privacy, design, and trust.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • While some of the changes related to immigration may not be new, TikTok’s privacy policy update highlighted the extent of data collected by social media platforms.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Prairie dresses, walled compounds and isolation have given way to weekend soccer games, bars and wineries as the towns integrate with broader society.
    Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Keeping his wife and children at arm’s length has only deepened his isolation, but the power (and danger) of the God of Thunder is still there just beneath the surface.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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