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 That seclusion becomes particularly problematic when one day the police show up at their door with warrants to take away all of Philip’s computers and hard drives. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 Accessed via a discreet entrance on the quieter side street Rue Einésy, the spa is all softness and seclusion, with low lighting and calm colors. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026 Solstice East had previously been accused of abusive practices, including placing kids in seclusion for days on end and overmedicating a student to the point of hospitalization. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 11 May 2026 Mountain resorts like The Springs and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise lean into outdoor soaking with dramatic views, while Amanemu and the Blue Lagoon retreat emphasize privacy and seclusion. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • Create a sense of solitude with fast-growing plants that screen views while enhancing the garden.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
  • Saxophonist Sonny Rollins, who spent more than two years practicing in solitude as a young man on a windswept New York bridge to reinvent his playing and become one of the giants of jazz, died at the age of 95 on Monday, May 25, his publicist said.
    William Schomberg, USA Today, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Rooms are all stand-alone bungalows, and designed with privacy in mind.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • And the zebra shade's alternating sheer and opaque bands offer precise control over light and privacy.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Jocytė finished with three points in 16 minutes, most notably calling for an isolation against Clark and hitting a 3-pointer in her face.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
  • The facility’s location was scheduled to be located on the Laikipia Airbase, about 125 miles north of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, with additional isolation and biocontainment capacity to be added later, according to the US official.
    Larry Madowo, CNN Money, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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