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 These facilities are allowed to use seclusion or restraints when staff believe the patient may be a danger to themselves or others, said Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, who championed this law. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 27 Dec. 2024 This 400-acre property in the exclusive North Sound is villas and vacation homes first by design, giving it a low-density, community-style feel that offers visitors supreme seclusion. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2024 Les Isles des Saintes, Guadalupe This little group of nine islands, Les Isles de Saintes, offers an array of not so well known anchorages with varying degrees of seclusion. Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 While maintaining a sense of exclusivity and tranquility, the center remains within easy reach of Colombo’s conveniences, offering a perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. Kara Markley Sterling, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • Then Saturn begins a two-and-a-half-year transit through your solitude and healing zone on May 25.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 15 May 2025
  • In a moment of onstage solitude — one character, one conscience, and an audience of thousands — people who are condemned to historical importance can probe the gulf between their own, often petty emotions and the majesty of their fate.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.
    Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • Financial services aside the adoption of AI in healthcare, education, and entertainment will create complications from financial, intellectual property, and privacy perspectives.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Read: The isolation of intensive parenting Others aren’t as eager to embrace external influences, especially not so close to home.
    Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025
  • The spatial isolation of these colonies would aid humanity’s survival, argues Dr Gee, by allowing genetically distinct human communities to develop that could interbreed with people still living on Earth or elsewhere in space to produce offspring with the best qualities of both groups.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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