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 film follows Misty Jones (Chastain), a former country star who comes out of seclusion to investigate the disappearance of her missing niece (Faith), herself a rising country musician. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025 July’s Swag rebuffed months of speculation about the artist’s mental well-being with admissions of imperfections and odes to romantic seclusion. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 The band recorded the final tracks live in a communal setting to contrast the initial feelings of seclusion. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025 But peace and sometimes, a sense of total seclusion, add to its charms. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Gizelle Bryant—now an empty nester—has turned solitude into a brand.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Oct. 2025
  • On Katmai’s wild southeastern coast, however, guests of Natural Habitat Adventures, a partner of World Wildlife Fund, observe brown bears in near solitude on shimmering tidal flats and aqua bays.
    Susan Portnoy, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Christy Harris, Meta’s privacy and data-policy manager, told reporters during a media briefing that people already assumed their chatbot interactions were feeding into ad targeting.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Lawyers representing Prince Harry and other high-profile figures bringing privacy lawsuits against the publisher of the Daily Mail tabloid said on Wednesday new evidence showed his brother Prince William and the heir's wife Kate were also targets.
    Michael Holden, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While the lack of benefits, risk of burnout and isolation are clear risks, Brown says the desire for flexibility is strong.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
  • There are five memory foam layers that all serve a unique purpose, from the pressure-relief layer for anyone experiencing chronic pain to motion isolation layer catered to co-sleepers.
    Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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