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 Althorp House is Diana’s final resting place, chosen for its privacy and seclusion. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 July 2026 Jumby Bay is already Antigua’s most private of islands, but this estate stands alone in five acres of beachfront seclusion. Sarah Turner, Robb Report, 25 June 2026 Here, pergolas frame wisteria, allium, and Camassia, creating a delicate, colorful border that effortlessly adds a sense of privacy and seclusion. Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 21 June 2026 Lexie Zhao & Haina Zhou Drawn from seclusion to serve the realm in chaos, LV An journeys to Luoyang with his wife XU – into ruin. Jenny S. Li, Variety, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • Outside of Saturday afternoon Mass, there’s little break to the solitude.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Stargazing, hiking, and fishing are common activities in the spring, summer, and fall, while skiers and snowshoers will have plenty of terrain and solitude for themselves in the winter.
    Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Hamid Khan, an organizer with the privacy advocacy group Stop LAPD Spying, said that his organization has been showing up at police commission meetings to complain about Flock since early 2025.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • The Idaho Statesman’s top stories for Thursday and Friday spanned criminal defense, patient privacy, development and executions.
    Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • The robots move totes filled with products from order-picking areas to conveyors and have been working in isolation without human workers in their immediate vicinity.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026
  • Gunville launched Champera and its flagship program, Football Fluency Method, to cure the social isolation that often accompanies burnout.
    Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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