Synonyms of isolation

isolation

noun

ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

as in solitude

the state of being alone or kept apart from others

after the long book tour, the author looked forward to the isolation of his office

Synonyms & Similar Words

• solitude
• privacy
• loneliness
• segregation
• seclusion
• aloneness
• separateness
• insulation
• solitariness
• sequestration
• confinement
• secludedness
• internment
• vacuum
• retirement
• quarantine
• withdrawal
• lonesomeness
• incarceration
• ghettoization

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• society
• company
• companionship
• fellowship
• camaraderie
• comradeship

Synonym Chooser

How is the word isolation distinct from other similar nouns?

The words seclusion and solitude are common synonyms of isolation. While all three words mean "the state of one who is alone," isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

In what contexts can seclusion take the place of isolation?

The synonyms seclusion and isolation are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When might solitude be a better fit than isolation?

While the synonyms solitude and isolation are close in meaning, 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

Recent Examples of isolation

Expansion plans include a dedicated room for sanctuary rabbits that need extra care, a medical and isolation unit, a nursery for baby rabbits, called kits, and a space for emergency intakes waiting for foster homes to become available. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026

Undermining that balance by making vaccination optional — or relying only on individual medical advice — is to fall for a dangerous illusion of isolation in a connected world. —A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026

In a land of chaos, isolation and fear, Piggy serves as the voice of reason and is arguably the most likeable character. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026

High-voltage isolation, thermal performance, and crash integrity must remain robust even when energy storage is divided into removable segments. —IEEE Spectrum, 4 Mar. 2026