ISOLATION Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

isolation

noun

ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of isolation next

as in solitude

the state of being alone or kept apart from others after the long book tour, the author looked forward to the isolation of his office

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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

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Recent Examples of isolation But the character’s terror of social isolation keeps the door open to a friendship that can resemble a hostage situation. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025 The late John Cacioppo, a University of Chicago professor who spent years studying the biological impact of social isolation, concluded that chronic loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and premature death. —

John Hewko, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 Here’s how to experience them—and where to stay—while embracing the joy of isolation. —

Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 5 Feb. 2025 Its phone-buddy program pairs volunteers with people experiencing homelessness in an effort to alleviate social isolation. —

Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for isolation