as in withdrawn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
As leaders go, Dynevor (Bridgerton) is recessive and inscrutable, at least in the family get-togethers that form the narrative.
—
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for recessive
Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for recessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recessive
Adjective
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Parents report that many children stop eating, lose weight and become withdrawn.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
6 Feb. 2026
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The Flynns’ pompous neighbor, Jim Doherty, a divorcé with a withdrawn, unpleasant son, encourages Catherine’s artistic rebirth.—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
Adjective
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Nobody knows better than Riley that the current Heat iteration led by Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and now Norman Powell leaves Miami still wanting, still well shy of championship contention.—
Greg Cote
February 25,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
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While admitting to being reserved and shy, there was no trace of annoyance or desire to speed things up.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Sidberry scored the senior lineup's lone basket — but the scoreboard was of little consequence to the veteran Longhorns.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
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Offseason after offseason during Mike McDaniel’s four-year tenure Miami spent big, with last year being the lone exception.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Directed by Lynne Ramsay, the movie follows Joe (Joaquin Phoenix), an introverted loner who rescues women who find themselves in precarious positions.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Recessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recessive. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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