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

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 seclusion These lodges offer gourmet meals in stunning settings, private gorilla trekking excursions with expert guides and remote locations, which ensure an intimate experience for those seeking seclusion. Harriet Akinyi, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024 The audit recommends that the education department develop a review process to ensure seclusion and restraint policies align with state law. Nolan McKendry | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024 This mountaintop retreat offers supreme seclusion perfect for honeymooners, who can bask in their private infinity pools and enjoy personalized butler service at this too-good-to-be-true escape. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024 Bequia boasts a vibe that’s distinctly its own—equal parts tranquil haven and lively retreat, offering visitors the perfect balance of peaceful seclusion and engaging experiences. Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for seclusion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
Noun
  • But there’s also noble resilience in its depiction of solitude, a strange kind of comfort in its rapturous melancholy and companionship in the voices of the dead.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
  • On The Water Apart from that sense of solitude, a major part of the appeal is clearly the location: on a peninsula with one side fronting the calm, pure turquoise water of the Caicos Bank; the other side, the rolling waves of the Atlantic in varying shades of blue.
    Laurie Werner, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Industry surveys have shown that data privacy and the high cost of implementing large language models are among the reasons why enterprises have resisted AI adoption.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Who better to ensure AI tools respect and protect women's privacy and dignity than those who have long fought for these basic rights?
    Erin Grau, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The isolation tank, communicating with other species, all of these things had very early roots in (the question) how can this be exploited?
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Leaders often report feelings of isolation, which further compounds stress and reduces their ability to find balance.
    Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near seclusion

Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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