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

Released on Netflix in September 2020, the film revolves around a reclusive gamer, Joon-woo (Yoo Ah-in), who locks himself up inside his apartment after realizing that a deadly virus is raging outside. —Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025

Last Days dramatizes the final period in the life of a successful but reclusive musician, Blake, played by Rousselle. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025

Not necessarily reclusive perhaps, but just private, as much of us are. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Tributes have continued to pour in on social media from peers of the reclusive R&B visionary, including comments from Tyler, the Creator, Jill Scott, E-40, Royce Da 5’9 and Timbaland. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025

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