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

Written and directed by documentarian Brian Tetsuro Ivie (Emanuel) in his narrative directorial debut, the film tells the story of an impulsive young woman and a reclusive older man who launch on a poignant cross‑country road trip. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 June 2025

There were a number of memorable characters in 28 Years Later, such as the reclusive Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), adventurous 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams) and the mysterious cult leader Jimmy (Jack O’Connell), who swoops in at the end. —Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2025

An iconic yet reclusive figure among the Chicago Cubs, Sosa is expected to be part of the festivities surrounding Friday’s game against the Seattle Mariners at The Friendly Confines. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 20 June 2025

A week after Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran aiming to wipe out its nuclear program, all eyes are now on the country’s reclusive supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. —Ruth Marks Eglash, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025

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