seclusion

1 of 2

noun

se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of secluding : the condition of being secluded

2

: a secluded or isolated place

seclusive

si-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

adjective

seclusively adverb

seclusiveness noun

seclusive

2 of 2

adjective

se·​clu·​sive sə̇ˈklüs|iv 

sēˈ-, 

-üz|, 

|ēv also |əv

: tending or serving to seclude

especially : inclined to seclude oneself : disposed to seek retirement or solitude

seclusively

|ə̇vlē, 

-li

adverb

seclusiveness

|ivnə̇s, 

|ēv- also |əv-

noun

plural -es

Did you know?

With its prefix se-, "apart", seclusion has the basic meaning of a place or condition that's "closed away". A lone island may be secluded, and its seclusion might be what its owner prizes most about it. Presidents and their staffs may go into seclusion before making critical decisions. Monastery life is purposely secluded, and monks may have taken vows to live lives of seclusion. The deadly brown recluse spider prefers seclusion but is sometimes disturbed by very unlucky people.

Synonyms of seclusion

Noun

• solitude
• privacy
• isolation

Choose the Right Synonym for seclusion

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

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

isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

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

Examples of seclusion in a Sentence

Noun

the seclusion of women that occurs in some countries

I enjoyed the seclusion of the island.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On the west coast, Sal Salis offers a raw, deeply immersive connection to land and sea where luxury is defined by simplicity, seclusion and the untouched beauty of Cape Range National Park. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

Other allegations include intrusion upon seclusion, negligence, and unjust enrichment. —ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026

The historic ranch's seclusion also helped maintain the security essential for filming a high-profile reality series. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026

Trellises and arbors supporting vines also contribute to a sense of intimacy and seclusion. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Medieval Latin seclusion-, seclusio, from Latin secludere

Adjective

from seclusion, after such pairs as English inclusion : inclusive

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing seclusion

• in seclusion

Rhymes for seclusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion

Kids Definition

seclusion

noun

se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of secluding : the state of being secluded

2

: a secluded place

seclusive

-siv 

-ziv

adjective

seclusively adverb

seclusiveness noun