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

2

: marked by seclusion or retirement : solitary

… sit under the reclusive calm of the acacia tree.

—H. E. Bates

reclusively adverb

reclusiveness noun

Examples of reclusive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the 2014 sci-fi film Ex Machina, Oscar Isaac played a reclusive AI-tech billionaire dwelling in an architectural masterpiece—the Juvet Landscape Hotel—and a private summer home in Valldal, Norway. — Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The reclusive Rick Moranis, who reprises his role of Dark Helmet, received a standing ovation from the crowd. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026

The Washington Post, with the help of Martyn Williams, a North Korean technology specialist, has gained access to two of the country’s latest smartphones, which offer a remarkable window into daily life in one of the most reclusive countries. — Michelle Ye Hee Lee, Washington Post, 26 July 2026

Reuters also reported that its Chinese-American executive chairman, viewed as a Western proxy for its reclusive founder, would depart. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for reclusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• inclusive