ISOLATION Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'isolation' distinct from other similar nouns?

The words seclusion and solitude are common synonyms of isolation . While all three words mean "the state of one who is alone," isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily. // the isolation of the village in winter

Q: In what contexts can 'seclusion' take the place of 'isolation'?

The synonyms seclusion and isolation are sometimes interchangeable, 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

Q: When might 'solitude' be a better fit than 'isolation'?

While the synonyms solitude and isolation are close in meaning, 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

isolation

noun

ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of isolation next

as in solitude

the state of being alone or kept apart from others after the long book tour, the author looked forward to the isolation of his office

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How is the word isolation distinct from other similar nouns?

The words seclusion and solitude are common synonyms of isolation. While all three words mean "the state of one who is alone," isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

In what contexts can seclusion take the place of isolation?

The synonyms seclusion and isolation are sometimes interchangeable, 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

When might solitude be a better fit than isolation?

While the synonyms solitude and isolation are close in meaning, 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

Examples of isolation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Using surveys and real-world experiments, the researchers assessed the psychological effects of organizational secrecy on employees’ feelings of status, stress, frustration, isolation, and purpose. —

Juan Martinez, Harvard Business Review, 17 Oct. 2024 Here’s How Monica Found The Texts Find community Being a solopreneur doesn’t mean being doomed to a life of isolation—far from it. —

Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 There is also the particular kind of isolation only someone at the bodyguarded dead center of thousands can feel. —

Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2024 Felker’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to reexamine his own familial relationships while planning a movie about quarantine and isolation. —

Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for isolation

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isolation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.