as in withdrawn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
Tucker Langford of Kansas City city suffers from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a painful recessive condition which causes peeling, blistering skin, per local news outlets KSHB, KMBC and the Kansas City Star.
—
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Further examinations revealed that the golden retriever TNNI3 mutation is autosomal recessive.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
Could the pigmentation be the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation affecting pigment-producing cells, or might it be inherited through a recessive trait that only rarely appears?
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Pratt said a majority of the cats up for adoption share the polydactyl trait, usually a recessive gene, which likely became dominant due to inbreeding.
—Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for recessive
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Further examinations revealed that the golden retriever TNNI3 mutation is autosomal recessive.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
Could the pigmentation be the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation affecting pigment-producing cells, or might it be inherited through a recessive trait that only rarely appears?
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Pratt said a majority of the cats up for adoption share the polydactyl trait, usually a recessive gene, which likely became dominant due to inbreeding.
—Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for recessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recessive
Adjective
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The Flynns’ pompous neighbor, Jim Doherty, a divorcé with a withdrawn, unpleasant son, encourages Catherine’s artistic rebirth.—
Hannah Gold,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
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Off-screen, Affleck has a slightly rougher star persona, while Damon’s can be a little more withdrawn and intellectual.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Kristian Houston was a shy, nervous child who was afraid to speak in front of a crowd.—
Kamal Morgan
February 5,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
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Continue in the southerly direction, appreciating the gnarled coast live oaks and sound of shy red-eared sliders plopping off their logs into the water.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Hawks finished with two wins over the Heat and the Jazz, with their lone loss to the Hornets.—
Lauren Williams,
AJC.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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When Democrats attempted to install a map drawing out the lone Republican congressman from the Old Line State during the initial redistricting period this decade, the state’s high court struck it down, resulting in the current map that maintains the lone GOP seat.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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From science fairs to college labs For someone whose work could transform medicine, Liu, 52, is understated — an introverted polymath driven by curiosity.—
Carolyn Y. Johnson,
Washington Post,
7 Feb. 2026
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Bedard and Celebrini are supremely confident but supremely polite, leaders by example, maybe a little introverted — guarded in public and only goofy in private (and occasionally on Instagram).—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recessive. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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