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

Examples of seclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The party quickly turns from a festive atmosphere to one of fear and seclusion as revolution floods the streets outside, keeping partygoers confined to the hall for three days. Jamie Lang, Variety, 24 July 2024 Erica wasn’t abducted but had run away and chosen to live in seclusion with her 21-year-old boyfriend, Andrew (Kyle Clark), less than a mile from her mother’s house. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024 For the entire 2022-2023 school year, Hazel Park recorded using seclusion 392 times on 34 different students with disabilities, the fifth-highest number of seclusions of all public school districts in the state that year. Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 6 Aug. 2024 Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa: Goa, India Concealed in the greenery on the edge of Radhanagar Beach, this 46-acre property in India’s remote Andaman Islands doesn’t need to advertise its seclusion. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for seclusion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'seclusion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near seclusion

Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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