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 The sale sees the property divided into three lots with two buildable, giving the opportunity to create a treasurable family compound in rural seclusion just a 30-minute drive from the island’s main towns. Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Althorp House is Diana’s final resting place, chosen for its privacy and seclusion. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 July 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
  • But after a morning of pastoral Tyrolean views, followed by a convivial lunch at a lakefront restaurant, my commitment to solitude wavered.
    Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
  • Raven ended a years-long reprieve from public life by using metaphorical interpretations of water and emergence to lay out the importance of intentional solitude.
    Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • In those cases, teleoperation raises concerns about privacy and preventing abuse of the ability to see into a robot owner's personal spaces.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
  • A lot of that is listening to what the customer needs, building features in a great way, building trust, thinking about data privacy.
    Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • Across society, loneliness and social isolation continue to rise.
    Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Irritability and low energy and a knife-sharp craving for isolation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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