as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
a recessive genius who was most comfortable working alone in his chemistry lab
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Recent Examples of recessive
This particular shade is caused by a recessive gene carried by both parent plants, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin.
—
Sarah Bahari,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Apr. 2026
Throughout the thread, dog owners shared their own pets’ surprising DNA results, with some commenting that pit bulls are known to have a wire-haired recessive gene, which may explain Cappy's coat.
—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
19 Feb. 2026
His presence is so recessive that the resulting footage, however cannily composed, looks, for the most part, like it was made by an unattended surveillance camera.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2026
White tigers are the result of inbreeding to preserve a rare recessive gene.
—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recessive
Sarah Bahari,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Apr. 2026
Throughout the thread, dog owners shared their own pets’ surprising DNA results, with some commenting that pit bulls are known to have a wire-haired recessive gene, which may explain Cappy's coat.
—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
19 Feb. 2026
His presence is so recessive that the resulting footage, however cannily composed, looks, for the most part, like it was made by an unattended surveillance camera.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2026
White tigers are the result of inbreeding to preserve a rare recessive gene.
—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recessive
Adjective
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The withdrawn draft focused on setting up several new watchdogs to keep AI in check, including a dedicated commission and a special insurance fund to help people if the new technology caused harm.
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The story follows Trey, a withdrawn ex-con surviving as a night driver on the city’s margins, who forms a tentative and increasingly intimate bond with Camden (Dafne Keen), a sharp and restless young woman working as a call girl.
Adjective
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Willis, who was one of the group's founders in the 1970s, died one day shy of his 75th birthday.
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His six goals tied Argentina forward Lionel Messi for the tournament lead and gave him 18 in his World Cup career, one shy of Messi's record.
Adjective
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The van’s windows were smashed and a lone orange traffic cone sat on the hood.
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While South Africa and Ivory Coast thus far are the lone CAF squads to get bounced from the knockout stage, an impressive nine of 10 CAF squads made it to the knockout stage.
Adjective
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If the house presents as introverted and unassuming from the street, the oceanfront side opens toward the scenery.
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According to studio information sent to ABC News, Chalamet will play Joe, an introverted rocket mechanic.
Cite this Entry
“Recessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recessive. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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