seclusion

noun

se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
1
: the act of secluding : the condition of being secluded
2
: a secluded or isolated place
seclusive adjective
seclusively adverb
seclusiveness noun

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.

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

the seclusion of women that occurs in some countries I enjoyed the seclusion of the island.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But peace and sometimes, a sense of total seclusion, add to its charms. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025 Teenage girls, chosen by local nobles, were sent away to live in seclusion at the aqllawasai to weave cloth, brew chicha, and prepare food for ritual feasts. ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025 Saint Anthony was an Egyptian monk whose relics were brought to France during the Crusades in the Middle Ages, after inspiring many people to take up seclusion and self-denial. Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Together, these features give the resort a distinctly residential feel—more luxe private condo than traditional guestroom—and add to the overall sense of ease and seclusion. John Vorwald, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seclusion

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin seclusion-, seclusio, from Latin secludere

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seclusion was circa 1616

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seclusion. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

seclusion

noun
se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
1
: the act of secluding : the state of being secluded
2
: a secluded place
seclusive
-siv How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
-ziv
adjective
seclusively adverb
seclusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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