SECLUSIONS Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

seclusion

noun

si-ˈklü-zhən

Definition of seclusion

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

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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 The park feels light-years away from the closest major airport, Midland (235 miles away), and this seclusion ensures the park’s night views stay dazzling. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2026 Every Year After takes place in the small community of Barry’s Bay, so the isolation of a lone cottage is replaced by the seclusion of a little village. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 Thousands of times a year in Michigan schools, students who are considered a potential danger to themselves and others — many of them children with disabilities — are physically restrained or put in seclusion. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 An outdoor water feature, al fresco dining area, and fire pit complete the property, which, despite its seclusion, is conveniently located near Park City’s Main Street and the area’s ski resorts. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seclusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion

Noun

The overwater bungalows are pretty special, hovering over lapping waves where guests can stay in total peace and solitude.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Why does the fantasy of an artist toiling away in solitude have so much appeal?

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of solitude

Noun

The various configurations allow the property to accommodate a range of needs, budgets, and even levels of privacy, making the experience that much more customizable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
The platform can be closed off from the rest of the yacht for further privacy.

— Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of privacy

Noun

Her LIFTed framework coordinates legal, insurance, financial, and tax planning, closing the gaps between advisors who typically work in isolation.

— Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
The audio section handles speech generation, transcription, music, voice changing, voice cloning, isolation, and translation.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of isolation

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secluding

seclusion

second

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“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of seclusion

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