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 And viewers’ mileage will certainly vary with this peculiar, fun little concoction on seclusion, connection and the need to belong that can’t hide its undercurrent of melancholy about the sorry state of a divided world. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 7 Sep. 2026 Just 10 minutes from Lagos and 15 minutes from Portimão, Palmares strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and seclusion. — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The park feels light-years away from the closest major airport, Midland (235 miles away), and this seclusion ensures the park’s night views stay dazzling. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2026 Every Year After takes place in the small community of Barry’s Bay, so the isolation of a lone cottage is replaced by the seclusion of a little village. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • Now, all James wants to do is hop in his Cessna, fly deep into the Alaskan wilderness with his best friend, drink some beer, and enjoy the solitude of nature.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The young artist who arrived for solitude and serious work has become caretaker of someone else’s daughter, someone else’s property, someone else’s peace of mind.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Mercury in your 4th House squares Mars in your sign, making family conversations, privacy, or household matters more likely to test your patience.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But taxpayer and privacy advocates say the data could be used to help find and deport those people.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • These differences have made the apple maggot an important model for studies of host specificity and the possibility of speciation (the evolution of new species) without geographic isolation.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Arguing that decades of isolation violated Pike's constitutional rights, the lawsuit ended in a settlement with the state in 2024 that granted her more opportunities to interact with other inmates.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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