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

Even when Tatum isn't scoring, just his presence draws a lot of attention, and his isolation ability from behind the arc is something no other player really has the skill for on the roster. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

Connects You to Others Going for a walk with others is a healthy social activity and can help prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025

The Clippers have multiple isolation assassins, and the easiest way to score in isolation is to strand the opponent’s worst defender on the island. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025

Long commutes, isolation from friends, and unexpected maintenance costs have turned dream homes into financial and emotional burdens. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025