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

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 seclusion In Los Angeles, privacy is paramount, and the Riviera neighborhood in Pacific Palisades is sought after for its ample parcels, easy access to nature and absolute seclusion. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024 Since then, California has created Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, but the use of seclusion rooms and restraints on minors still occurs. Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 29 Aug. 2024 Or maximize the romance and sense of seclusion by arranging a private meal on the resort’s very own nearby deserted island, Bodu Finolhu. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Written by Birney and Pete Ohs, the film follows Connor Marsh (Birney), a man living in seclusion with his dog Sandy. Lauren Coates, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for seclusion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • To determine its rankings, the team evaluated 76 places across five metrics: safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Start your day early, in solitude, to plan and align your focus for maximum productivity.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • No further details were made available and the family of The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, asked for privacy.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Meta includes a privacy indicator—a light that activates when recording—to alert bystanders, but the FBI has not confirmed whether this feature was operational in Jabbar's glasses.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Mirroring Emilia’s own sense of isolation, Gascón spent the months-long shoot in self-exile, declining invitations to socialize with the cast and crew, including one outing to a Beyoncé concert.
    Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025
  • For example, isolation and detachment from other people were more pronounced during the lockdown phase of the pandemic.
    Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near seclusion

Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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