RECLUSE Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

recluse 1 of 2

noun

Definition of recluse

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

recluse

2 of 2

adjective

as in reclusive

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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

According to professionals, during an active infestation, the family would typically find 20 to 30 recluses in their traps overnight. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 The new movie finds Cindy as a recluse living in isolation before teaming up with old friend Brenda (Regina Hall) to fight a new Ghostface. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 8 June 2026 There is an antidote for recluse bites, but severe ulcers may need surgery. — Eva Flowe may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026 Reactions to bites from a brown recluse, like any spider or insect, can vary. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for recluse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recluse

Noun

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
Tragedy has turned him into a hermit, but the ponderings from his cave are alluring.

— Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 17 May 2026

Definition of hermit

Adjective

But the fact is, the famously reclusive Finke, who spent much of her time holed up in her West Los Angeles apartment, showed little interest in sharing her life story, at least not her life in Hollywood.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Stars Hannah Einbinder as a young director seeking to resurrect the Camp Miasma slasher franchise and Gillian Anderson as the star of the original films, a now-reclusive actress shrouded in mystery.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of reclusive

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

Definition of unsociable

Browse Nearby Words

reclining

recluse

recluses

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“Recluse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recluse. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of recluse

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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