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
Sarah Lyall2
: marked by seclusion or retirement : solitary
… sit under the reclusive calm of the acacia tree.—H. E. Bates
H. E. Bates
reclusively
adverb
reclusiveness
noun
Examples of reclusive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The work of the reclusive, forbiddingly erudite author turns out to be perfect easy-listening material.
—Namara Smith, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
Xi's two-day visit, his first in seven years to China's reclusive neighbour, comes at a time when its economy, strengthened by growing trade and military ties to Russia, could boost Kim's confidence in talks.
—Jack Kim, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Their reclusive nation is also reigning world champion in under-17s and under-20s women’s soccer.
—Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
In typical fashion, Danes left it on all the floor in portraying a reclusive author who suspects her developer neighbor (Matthew Rhys) of misdeeds.
—Carla Meyer, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
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Namara Smith, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
Xi's two-day visit, his first in seven years to China's reclusive neighbour, comes at a time when its economy, strengthened by growing trade and military ties to Russia, could boost Kim's confidence in talks.
—Jack Kim, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Their reclusive nation is also reigning world champion in under-17s and under-20s women’s soccer.
—Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
In typical fashion, Danes left it on all the floor in portraying a reclusive author who suspects her developer neighbor (Matthew Rhys) of misdeeds.
—Carla Meyer, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reclusive
Cite this Entry
“Reclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reclusive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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