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

What follows is a zigzag through Parisian streets as Amélie seeks out the wonder of an old metal box that reveals itself behind her apartment wall, with the initial help of her reclusive neighbour, Raymond Dufayel and a newfound commitment to performing good deeds. —Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026

Guigsy is extremely reclusive; the Gallaghers and the rest of the current lineup quite possibly have no interest in participating in any of this. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026

Eventually several members of the reclusive community allowed Christine Marie and Katas to begin filming their daily routines and social gatherings for a documentary about life in the town that locals call the Crick. —Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026

For those who prefer a more reclusive reset, therapists bring the experience—from massages to yoga sessions—directly to your villa, effectively turning your living room into a private wellness suite. —Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 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