seclusion

noun

si-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
Definition of seclusionnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 club’s founders, the Japanese conglomerate Cornes & Company, spent years searching for a spot that offered seclusion, drama, and quick access to Tokyo and nearby airports. — Sue Callaway, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2025 The ultra-luxurious arm of Ritz-Carlton has grown very deliberately—each property offers seclusion by keeping room count down on large parcels of land set in nature. — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2025 Water Activities The property was always known for its seclusion and privacy, on an island overall known for those qualities as well as its 100+ beaches, so the seven mile pink beach fronting clear turquoise water will likely be the domain of just hotel guests. — Laurie Werner, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Daniel's death was devastating to Anna Nicole, who went into seclusion after losing him. — Emily Krauser, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
  1. solitude
  2. privacy
  3. isolation
Noun
  • The news was the type of surprise that necessitated a few moments of solitude.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
  • After the many weeks in the solitude of woods and mountains, Goldie showed a strong dislike for the crowds and traffic noises of San Francisco.
    — Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of solitude
Noun
  • Teens commonly described negative experiences involving social drama, cyberbullying and privacy violations.
    — Abdulmalik Alluhidan, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The sun conjunct Neptune in Pisces will ignite your 12th house of secrets, privacy and spirituality, stirring up subconscious thoughts and dreams.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of privacy
Noun
  • Varley’s grip, her taut observation of nerve-wracking isolation, loosens and the film devolves into a blunt and clichéd consideration of family.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The most successful domestic noir and psychological thrillers of recent years have tackled universal anxieties: housing insecurity, financial precarity, isolation in the digital age, the fragility of relationships.
    — JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of isolation

Browse Nearby Words

secluding
seclusion
second
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Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seclusion. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of seclusion for Spanish Speakers

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