as in withdrawn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The Flynns’ pompous neighbor, Jim Doherty, a divorcé with a withdrawn, unpleasant son, encourages Catherine’s artistic rebirth.—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Off-screen, Affleck has a slightly rougher star persona, while Damon’s can be a little more withdrawn and intellectual.—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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On the other hand, this contrast with prior Fed picks could make Rieder even more attractive to Trump, who is not shy about busting norms.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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On Bridgerton, Penelope starts off as the somewhat shy and overlooked Featherington daughter.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Huskies are the lone undefeated team left in women's college basketball.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
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The Huskies are the lone undefeated team left in women’s college basketball.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Rahman appears soft-spoken and introverted, preferring to listen rather than hold court.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
28 Jan. 2026
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Lurker, written and directed by Alex Russell (Beef, The Bear), is a psychological thriller that follows an introverted 20-something retail clerk, Matthew (Théodore Pellerin), who encounters Oliver (Archie Madekwe), a popular and charismatic musician.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recessive. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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