reclusive

adjective

re·​clu·​sive ri-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

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

Reuters also reported that its Chinese-American executive chairman, viewed as a Western proxy for its reclusive founder, would depart. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 14 July 2026

The Risks Associated With This Species The primary risk of coming into physical contact with this reclusive spider is its necrotic bite. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026

The destroyer, named Choe Hyon, signals Kim’s efforts to expand Pyongyang’s military might at sea alongside the long-standing focus on his reclusive regime’s missile arsenal. — Stella Kim, NBC news, 24 June 2026

The book ends with Cantrell heading off toward Maine to restart his reclusive life. — Helaine Williams, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for reclusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• inclusive