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 From the Maldives to the Caribbean and the South Pacific, these hallowed getaways cater to the world’s most elite under the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. —Kaila Yu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 After less than 24 hours of seclusion in the Vatican, cardinals ended the 2025 papal conclave with the election of a new pontiff. —May 8, CBS News, 9 May 2025 At the 2013 conclave, several Cardinals tweeted goodbye messages before going into seclusion. —Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025 Cupp shared records with NPR documenting some of those incidents, but the district did not report all of them as seclusion and restraint. —Dylan Peers McCoy, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seclusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seclusion
  1. solitude
  2. privacy
  3. isolation
Noun
  • As neo-colonial dynamics among the expatriate community unravel, this fragile bond becomes his only refuge from an impending collapse into solitude or barbarism.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 May 2025
  • Because of the distance and elevation gain on this moderately challenging trek, you’ll be rewarded with solitude and pristine scenery.
    — Jennifer Broome, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
Definition of solitude
Noun
  • Emilie Kiser — the 26-year-old influencer who built a TikTok following of 3.4 million for her mom-and-wife lifestyle content — filed the suit over privacy concerns.
    — Viola Flowers, NBC news, 29 May 2025
  • From regulatory uncertainty to ethical considerations around data privacy and workforce impact, the conversation around AI needs to be bigger than just technology.
    — Dean Leavitt, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of privacy
Noun
  • Here are the four key takeaways every parent should remember: This generation faces unprecedented risks due to a perfect storm of factors including ongoing brain development, mental health crises, the fentanyl epidemic, and social isolation.
    — Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Inmates on the first step could be out of isolation and in a group setting for four hours a day, said Raemisch, the former head of the Colorado prison system.
    — Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of seclusion for Spanish Speakers

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