seclusion

noun

si-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
Definition of seclusionnext
as in solitude
the state of being alone or kept apart from others she went into seclusion in order to focus entirely on writing her book

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 After the situation, parents must be notified and schools must conduct weekly and monthly reviews of seclusion incidents. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025 For those seeking extra space and seclusion, the Adobe House, just steps away from the main hotel, offers a quiet sanctuary ideal for families or groups. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025 Known for its seclusion and thick canopy of mature trees, the area feels more like a forested retreat than a celebrity hotbed—though it’s been home to many. —Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 The Beach Boys soon descended into an oldies act, out of touch with the radical '60s, and Wilson withdrew into seclusion. —CBS News, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
  1. solitude
  2. privacy
  3. isolation
Noun
  • Start small Begin with as little as 10 minutes of solitude per day.
    — Joseph Jebelli, CNBC, 23 July 2025
  • The project explores the tension between love and loneliness, questioning whether one escapes solitude by helping others find meaningful relationships.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 July 2025
Definition of solitude
Noun
  • World has faced privacy and legal challenges worldwide, including in Hong Kong, Indonesia and Kenya.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • In 2019, a state lobbyist for Microsoft approached Elkins about sponsoring a data privacy bill.
    — Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 29 July 2025
Definition of privacy
Noun
  • However, what began as a fair living situation has spiraled into passive-aggressive whispers and feelings of isolation.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The horizon is ever-present, either as a forbidding blankness or a flat, shimmering cityscape that reinforces the characters’ growing isolation.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of isolation

Browse Nearby Words

secluding
seclusion
second
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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of seclusion for Spanish Speakers

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