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 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 isolation Many members are low-income, due to long or repeated hospitalizations, social isolation and sometimes family estrangement. —

Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 17 Dec. 2024 This fact must override both left-wing faith in hollow internationalism and right-wing flirtation with isolation and decline. —

Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024 And indeed, a few days after the parent took his life, the U.S. surgeon general declared an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. —

Max Kutner, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024 December is also Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) awareness month, and some individuals may experience signs of SAD, such as sadness, sleeping more than normal, social isolation and changes in appetite. —

Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for isolation