Definition of seclusionnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word seclusion distinct from other similar nouns?

The words isolation and solitude are common synonyms of seclusion. While all three words mean "the state of one who is alone," 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

Where would isolation be a reasonable alternative to seclusion?

The synonyms isolation and seclusion are sometimes interchangeable, but isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

When would solitude be a good substitute for seclusion?

The words solitude and seclusion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 seclusion The seller described the property as a compromise-free version of city living and rural seclusion. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Some 16% were aware their child had been subject to physical restraint or seclusion — likely a wild undercount, given the number of parents at the in-person meeting who said their kids were restrained several times a week. — Beth Hawkins, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2026 That sense of exclusivity and seclusion is visible from A1A, where a canopied two-lane road runs between the estate homes and beachside condominiums. — Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 With just 112 luxury rooms and suites, the resort maintains an atmosphere of seclusion, calm, and understated exclusivity. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • And their eloquence is greatest when expressing the silence and solitude of Hester.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
  • For many, a walk in the woods or a visit to a scenic stop is a way to seek out not just solitude but also to connect with nature.
    — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not specify where the death happened or provide any additional details to protect the privacy of the family.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • His family issued a statement thanking all those who expressed their condolences, while also asking for their privacy to be respected.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Given that Dhaka is one of the globe’s most densely populated cities, the world Zaineen inhabits requires a great deal of control to maintain this kind of isolation.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has faced Western isolation and sanctions for years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster