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 That sense of exclusivity and seclusion is visible from A1A, where a canopied two-lane road runs between the estate homes and beachside condominiums. — Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 With just 112 luxury rooms and suites, the resort maintains an atmosphere of seclusion, calm, and understated exclusivity. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • Rilke writes about solitude, love, patience and learning to live with uncertainty.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Such arrangements are quite normal in this part of Patagonia, where gauchos often live in solitude until a very old age.
    — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As for privacy, Mayer said users can grant Dazzle full, partial, or no access to their photos and images that are sensitive are immediately discarded.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • California is among the states that successfully sued, in part by arguing that turning over the data would violate state privacy laws.
    — SAFIYAH RIDDLE, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Additional safety features include gas detection, electrical isolation monitoring, as well as technology designed to prevent battery failures from spreading between cells.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Likewise, Antarctic workers have been studied to learn about the psychological aspects of long-term isolation and small-group dynamics in stressful situations, another key aspect of space exploration.
    — Daniella McCahey, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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