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 But peace and sometimes, a sense of total seclusion, add to its charms. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025 Teenage girls, chosen by local nobles, were sent away to live in seclusion at the aqllawasai to weave cloth, brew chicha, and prepare food for ritual feasts. ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025 Saint Anthony was an Egyptian monk whose relics were brought to France during the Crusades in the Middle Ages, after inspiring many people to take up seclusion and self-denial. Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Together, these features give the resort a distinctly residential feel—more luxe private condo than traditional guestroom—and add to the overall sense of ease and seclusion. John Vorwald, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • And solitude is killing us softly.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Jen, an orphaned Gelling raised in solitude by a gentle race of creatures called the Mystics, must find the missing shard that will heal the crystal and restore balance to the universe.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Most Celestiq buyers remain anonymous for their privacy.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The home, which Drake in a brief interview said should be finished in about two years, will be 9,720 square feet, have three stories, five bedrooms, a partially unfinished basement, an attached garage, with a wall surrounding the property for privacy.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To combat isolation amid shorter days, keep in touch with loved ones, NextStep4MentalHealth advises.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • During its first project, the team found that young people entering youth shelters struggled with isolation, so the team members built a board game cart and collected hundreds of games, books and clothes for a local youth shelter.
    Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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