solitude

noun

ˈsä-lə-ˌtüd How to pronounce solitude (audio)
Definition of solitudenext
as in privacy
the state of being alone or kept apart from others sought the kind of solitude where his thoughts would be his only companions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word solitude distinct from other similar nouns?

The words isolation and seclusion are common synonyms of solitude. While all three words mean "the state of one who is alone," 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

When is it sensible to use isolation instead of solitude?

The words isolation and solitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

When can seclusion be used instead of solitude?

The words seclusion and solitude can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 solitude Striking out on her own was a difficult transition, but embracing her solitude gave her the space to learn more about herself and make her own personal decisions, such as getting her cat or making meals of her choosing. — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 Friedman stresses leaders must amplify focus, enabling solitude before collaboration for creativity, and promoting active recovery over passive unwinding. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 And all the way to Georgia, solitude abounds, except during the few weeks that a SOBO passes through the migrating herd of NOBOs. — Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 A little solitude can do wonders to quiet your brain from the chaos of day-to-day life. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solitude
  1. privacy
  2. isolation
  3. loneliness
  4. aloneness
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
Noun
  • Summary Workplace loneliness is surging, particularly among remote and Gen Z employees, as AI and remote work reduce direct human interaction.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Orr said using social media more than three hours a day can lead to anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of loneliness
Noun
  • During this hour in his presence a very tangible sense of aloneness enveloped me.
    — Chris Ware, The New York Review of Books, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Two people in heady early love, fearing uncertainty and aloneness, rush to get closer.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of aloneness

Browse Nearby Words

solitary
solitude
solo
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Cite this Entry

“Solitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solitude. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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