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

The ongoing data from the collars is expected to provide great insights into how the massive, reclusive moose move, interact, eat, breed and die, writes Keith Matheny. —Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 16 Feb. 2026

Duvall played the reclusive Boo Radley in a single scene, opposite fellow Neighborhood Playhouse alumnus Gregory Peck in his Oscar-winning role as attorney Atticus Finch. —Christopher Watson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026

Michael is stunned by the usually reclusive Creed's sudden forcefulness. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026

Similar to her brother, Allen is a reclusive personality. —Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 4 Feb. 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