Synonyms of recessive

recessive

adjective

ri-ˈse-siv 

as in withdrawn

not comfortable around people

a recessive genius who was most comfortable working alone in his chemistry lab

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawn
• shy
• lone
• introverted
• bashful
• backward
• diffident
• sheepish
• coy
• modest
• demure
• retiring
• antisocial
• self-effacing
• awkward
• reserved
• unassertive
• unsociable
• embarrassed
• unsocial
• lone-wolf
• unenterprising
• unadventurous
• uptight
• inhibited
• uneasy
• self-conscious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• outgoing
• extroverted
• social
• immodest
• gregarious
• sociable
• companionable
• convivial
• forceful
• bold
• boon
• dashing
• uninhibited
• clubbable
• brash
• forward
• unreserved
• overbold

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of recessive

Reeves — actually the nicest man in show business — is a recessive passenger whose metatextual casting offers a convenient smokescreen for Hill to unleash his id, and Ira quickly asserts himself as the movie’s dominant force. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026

This particular shade is caused by a recessive gene carried by both parent plants, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin. — Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 8 Apr. 2026

Throughout the thread, dog owners shared their own pets’ surprising DNA results, with some commenting that pit bulls are known to have a wire-haired recessive gene, which may explain Cappy's coat. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026

His presence is so recessive that the resulting footage, however cannily composed, looks, for the most part, like it was made by an unattended surveillance camera. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026