reclusive

adjective

re·​clu·​sive ri-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce reclusive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of reclusivenext
1
: seeking solitude : retiring from society
a reclusive neighbor
While Stephen King is far from reclusive, he doesn't spend much time promoting his horror-filled novels.— Sarah Lyall
2
: marked by seclusion or retirement : solitary
… sit under the reclusive calm of the acacia tree.— H. E. Bates
reclusively adverb
reclusiveness noun

Examples of reclusive in a Sentence

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.
Here, Mitchell is a grizzled, reclusive homebody who prefers puzzles to people, and who must suddenly reckon with both, in the outside world. — Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025 In this mostly fictional version, the reclusive Omara has to decide whether or not to come back from retirement and record with her old colleagues from the fervent Cuban years, thus confronting those ghosts. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 Opus chronicles an album listening retreat that a seminal, yet reclusive, pop star Alfred Moretti (Malkovich) is hosting for a select group of influential people including Edebiri’s journalist character, Ariel Ecton. — Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025 After taking down a conniving businessman and reuniting with his brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal), the reclusive CPA absconds from Illinois and sets out on the open road. — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reclusive

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of reclusive was in 1600

Rhymes for reclusive

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Browse Nearby Words

reclusion
reclusive
recm
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Cite this Entry

“Reclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reclusive. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reclusive

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