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 School districts with these specialized programs also have some of the highest numbers of instances of restraint and seclusion of students with disabilities, according to the data — practices parents and advocates say are harmful. Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 25 Sep. 2024 This lunation will whisper from the depths of your privacy, seclusion and mental health sectors. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024 Generously sized bedroom suites are tucked away for privacy and seclusion, accompanied by enormous walk-in closets. Roger Sands, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 The bipartisan bill would establish a federal interagency work group to improve communication among state licensing and child welfare agencies, and create the first national database of restraints and seclusion in youth treatment centers. Tyler Kingkade, NBC News, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for seclusion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • Picture show Brian Mann/NPR New York City — often known as the city that never sleeps — can also be a place of solitude.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024
  • At the top, enjoy sweeping views and the chattering of chipmunks amid the solitude of this trail deep in the woods.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • For her part, Swift explained in Miss Americana why the couple valued their privacy.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Facing a potential payout in the tens of millions at the very least from an invasion of privacy lawsuit over some sloppy editing on a 2022 Blumhouse documentary about a sociopathic fertility doctor, Netflix has emerged having to write a relatively small check thanks to a Midwest jury.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This is why the Surgeon General has warned of an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, which puts Americans at a heightened risk of many serious ailments—from anxiety and depression to a stroke, cardiovascular disease, dementia and even premature death.
    Kendra Davenport, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The presence of disruptions such as social isolation, academic uncertainties and financial hardships highlight the need for mental health support systems.
    Jenelyn Russo, Orange County Register, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near seclusion

Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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