seclusion

noun

se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
1
: the act of secluding : the condition of being secluded
2
: a secluded or isolated place
seclusive adjective
seclusively adverb
seclusiveness noun

Did you know?

With its prefix se-, "apart", seclusion has the basic meaning of a place or condition that's "closed away". A lone island may be secluded, and its seclusion might be what its owner prizes most about it. Presidents and their staffs may go into seclusion before making critical decisions. Monastery life is purposely secluded, and monks may have taken vows to live lives of seclusion. The deadly brown recluse spider prefers seclusion but is sometimes disturbed by very unlucky people.

Choose the Right Synonym for seclusion

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

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 stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

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

Examples of seclusion in a Sentence

the seclusion of women that occurs in some countries I enjoyed the seclusion of the island.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Bequia boasts a vibe that’s distinctly its own—equal parts tranquil haven and lively retreat, offering visitors the perfect balance of peaceful seclusion and engaging experiences. Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025 There are teeny, tiny specks of land offering seclusion from the crowds. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2025 The Chinese side used to be nearly as remote, the seclusion broken only by a flow of pilgrims to Mount Kailash, which is holy to four faiths. New York Times, 11 Oct. 2024 Hugging the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Papagayo Peninsula distills the best of this tropical wonderland with its richly diverse flora and fauna, its opportunities for adventure and exploration, and a seclusion that beckons elite travelers to this luxurious enclave. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for seclusion 

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin seclusion-, seclusio, from Latin secludere

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seclusion was circa 1616

Dictionary Entries Near seclusion

Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seclusion. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

seclusion

noun
se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
1
: the act of secluding : the state of being secluded
2
: a secluded place
seclusive
-siv How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
-ziv
adjective
seclusively adverb
seclusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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