Synonyms of solitude

solitude

noun

ˈsä-lə-ˌtüd 

as in privacy

the state of being alone or kept apart from others

sought the kind of solitude where his thoughts would be his only companions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• privacy
• isolation
• loneliness
• aloneness
• seclusion
• segregation
• solitariness
• separateness
• insulation
• confinement
• sequestration
• retirement
• internment
• secludedness
• lonesomeness
• vacuum
• withdrawal
• quarantine
• incarceration
• ghettoization

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• society
• companionship
• company
• fellowship
• camaraderie
• comradeship

Synonym Chooser

How is the word solitude distinct from other similar nouns?

The words isolation and seclusion are common synonyms of solitude. While all three words 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

When is it sensible to use isolation instead of solitude?

The words isolation and solitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

When can seclusion be used instead of solitude?

The words seclusion and solitude can be used in similar contexts, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of solitude

The all-villa layout of Raffles Sentosa Singapore delivers solitude in the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s busiest cities—a place where floating in one’s private pool has the potential to be the most strenuous cardio routine of the day. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Mindfulness and contemplative solitude can strengthen your ability to regulate emotions and recover from stress. —Keith M. Bellizzi, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026

Instead, his days are intentionally shaped around solitude. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026

There have been times when the isolation of rehab has felt like being reclused into her own personal pandemic hell, where the solitude or recovery has left her near starving for human connection. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2026