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
  • The resort's airy suites with private terraces are ideal for winding down in solitude, while its pool and holistic spa round out the experience.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Amid the solitude of his training, Ku confronts generational trauma and creates new ways to heal his community through running.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In an email to The Star, Thompson declined to release the name of the high school or the church to protect the privacy of witnesses and victims.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Apple has a strong, yet flawed, reputation for being better about user privacy than other Big Tech firms.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The rejection sends Frankenstein’s monster into a tailspin of isolation and misery.
    Jon Michael Varese, The Atlantic, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Satloff said the big question is whether Israel’s deepening diplomatic isolation is repairable.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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