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

The resort’s minimalist architecture and interiors create a sense of calm, while its quiet and seclusion offer their own form of relaxation. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Every Year After takes place in the small community of Barry’s Bay, so the isolation of a lone cottage is replaced by the seclusion of a little village. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

Currently, the public can download seclusion and restraint data on the state's MI School Data site. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Cut off from the rest of Virgin Gorda and accessible only by boat and helicopter, its supreme seclusion is a part of its unending appeal. — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 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