Synonym Chooser

How is the word solitude distinct from other similar nouns?

The words isolation and seclusion are common synonyms of solitude. While all three words mean "the state of one who is alone," 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

When is it sensible to use isolation instead of solitude?

The words isolation and solitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

When can seclusion be used instead of solitude?

The words seclusion and solitude can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 solitude The farmer and the bird find comfort and companionship in each other’s solitude. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 So afternoon, for Gospodinov, is the time for boredom, memory, a kind of weightless solitude—and, now, the time for grief. James Wood, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 His solitude is interrupted by the arrival of his brother Jem (Sean Bean), who is looking for a connection with his son Brian (Samuel Bottomley), and seeking Ray’s help. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025 King was immediately struck by the solitude. Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solitude
Noun
  • Companies need to find real patterns in the chaos, respect user privacy, and respond quickly to changing trends.
    William Jones, IndyStar, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Despite her and Harry's emphasis on family privacy, Meghan said in her 2022 Variety interview that she wasn't necessarily opposed to Archie or Lilibet one day following her into acting.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But instead of an epic franchise, the two are a couple in Lynne Ramsay’s suffocating drama about a woman dealing with postpartum depression and isolation amid a move from New York to Montana.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025
  • His extraordinary journey from utter isolation to human connection is revealed in the Oscar-contending documentary Ghost Boy, directed by Rodney Ascher (Room 237, A Glitch in the Matrix), winner of the Audience Award at SXSW in the Visions category.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Brennan Winspear finds the humor and heart in Mark, if not so much the painful loneliness.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
  • That can make veterans kind of feel this loneliness and this cultural divide.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This is a telling fantasy—to feel more content in one’s dreamed aloneness than in real society.
    Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solitude. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on solitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!