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 sale sees the property divided into three lots with two buildable, giving the opportunity to create a treasurable family compound in rural seclusion just a 30-minute drive from the island’s main towns. — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Lexie Zhao & Haina Zhou Drawn from seclusion to serve the realm in chaos, LV An journeys to Luoyang with his wife XU – into ruin. — Jenny S. Li, Variety, 17 June 2026 Here, pergolas frame wisteria, allium, and Camassia, creating a delicate, colorful border that effortlessly adds a sense of privacy and seclusion. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 21 June 2026 Other allegations include intrusion upon seclusion, negligence, and unjust enrichment. — ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for seclusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion

Noun

Outside of Saturday afternoon Mass, there’s little break to the solitude.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Stargazing, hiking, and fishing are common activities in the spring, summer, and fall, while skiers and snowshoers will have plenty of terrain and solitude for themselves in the winter.

— Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Definition of solitude

Noun

On one hand, the arena offers a level of privacy and security few locations can match.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
The magnetic pull for those whose ultimate prize is privacy and connection to nature is towards gardens, forests, fields and beachfronts that stretch into the distance, delineating possibilities.

— Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of privacy

Noun

Research shows that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Some express skepticism on whether James can stay patient with Dončić ball-dominant and isolation-heavy play.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 30 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of seclusion

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