Synonym Chooser

How is the word isolation distinct from other similar nouns?

The words seclusion and solitude are common synonyms of isolation. While all three words mean "the state of one who is alone," isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

In what contexts can seclusion take the place of isolation?

The synonyms seclusion and isolation are sometimes interchangeable, 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

When might solitude be a better fit than isolation?

While the synonyms solitude and isolation are close in meaning, 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 isolation This is a memory foam mattress that’s designed to be softer and delivers excellent motion isolation, particularly helpful for couples. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025 Urine flowed from beneath cell doors housing youths who had been held in isolation for more than 18 hours during a lockdown, according to Sharony’s report. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025 The spatial isolation of these colonies would aid humanity’s survival, argues Dr Gee, by allowing genetically distinct human communities to develop that could interbreed with people still living on Earth or elsewhere in space to produce offspring with the best qualities of both groups. Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 Read: The isolation of intensive parenting Others aren’t as eager to embrace external influences, especially not so close to home. Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for isolation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for isolation
Noun
  • Then Saturn begins a two-and-a-half-year transit through your solitude and healing zone on May 25.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 15 May 2025
  • In a moment of onstage solitude — one character, one conscience, and an audience of thousands — people who are condemned to historical importance can probe the gulf between their own, often petty emotions and the majesty of their fate.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.
    Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • Financial services aside the adoption of AI in healthcare, education, and entertainment will create complications from financial, intellectual property, and privacy perspectives.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Isolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/isolation. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on isolation

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