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

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 isolation Manuel Tique, a 32-year-old humanitarian worker, is among a growing number of foreign nationals detained by Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian government as Venezuela faces economic sanctions and political isolation from the United States and Europe. Manuel Rueda, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025 After one thousand years of isolation, Iblis is given temporary freedom when Ka-young (Bae Suzy), a small town mechanic who doesn’t experience empathy, literally stumbles upon his lamp during a vacation in the deserts of Dubai. Kayti Burt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025 Where else but California could a burning city give way to desert isolation in mere moments? Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 Young job seekers told CNBC that the difficulty of finding a job has brought up feelings of social isolation and self-doubt. Alex Harring, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for isolation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for isolation
Noun
  • The resort's airy suites with private terraces are ideal for winding down in solitude, while its pool and holistic spa round out the experience.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Amid the solitude of his training, Ku confronts generational trauma and creates new ways to heal his community through running.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Christy Harris, Meta’s privacy and data-policy manager, told reporters during a media briefing that people already assumed their chatbot interactions were feeding into ad targeting.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Lawyers representing Prince Harry and other high-profile figures bringing privacy lawsuits against the publisher of the Daily Mail tabloid said on Wednesday new evidence showed his brother Prince William and the heir's wife Kate were also targets.
    Michael Holden, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your feelings of loneliness are valid, but please put them in context.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
  • This is a film interested instead in details that capture the loss and loneliness Lucius cannot seem to escape.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Isolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/isolation. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on isolation

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