recluse 1 of 2

Definition of reclusenext
as in hermit
a person who lives away from others he was sick of cities and crowds, so he decided to go live by himself in the woods as a recluse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

recluse

2 of 2

adjective

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of recluse
Noun
For the last six years, Six has lived as a recluse in Amsterdam, lying in bed and going out twice a day for decaf coffee (the regular brew is too hard on his shattered nerves). Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew, has become a recluse since he was arrested on his 66th birthday back in February. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026 Not surprisingly, playing a Mormon missionary, even one being psychologically tortured by a creepy English recluse, was not a huge stretch for Thatcher. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 Guardians players struggle to understand how Clase, a bit of a recluse, kept it cool. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recluse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recluse
Noun
  • Late in the novel, Noa, Nicole, and their newfound compatriots get into a van with a group of musical hermits who have fled to the mountains to escape the violence of Ecuadorian society.
    Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The area was also chosen by artistic hermit squatters, known as Dunnites, who lived around nearby Oceano and Nipomo in the 1930s.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • As a result, Lizzie became increasingly reclusive over the years.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Which is how, at a funeral parlor, Bernie comes to meet Araminta (Jodie Comer channeling her inner Helena Bonham-Carter as a gothic, reclusive cat lady).
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Hospitality fared well in Deputy’s study, making up half of the 10 happiest job sectors, despite the sector’s reputation for high stress, unsociable hours, and low pay.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2025
  • To drink too much would be inexcusable; to drink too little would be unsociable.
    Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Feb. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Recluse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recluse. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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