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reclusive

adjective

Definition of reclusivenext
as in reserved
inclined or tending to avoid other people The reclusive woman was more than happy to spend her day off reading and writing at home.

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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 reclusive Lucas’ name doesn’t appear once, the reclusive filmmaker pushing the spotlight onto his team. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 In the trailer, released Tuesday, Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a reclusive architect who moves to a small coastal town to complete his latest project. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 One day, another comic appears alongside hers, drawn by Kyomoto (Rokka Okada), a reclusive student who won’t come to school due to social anxiety. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026 Even Linda Ronstadt, who has been reclusive in recent years, posted a public statement. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reclusive
  1. reserved
  2. dry
  3. detached
  4. cold
  5. distant
  6. introverted
  7. withdrawn
  8. timid
Adjective
  • In Paper Tiger, there’s something more reserved and gentle about him.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Add scallions and garlic to reserved drippings in skillet; cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and place them on a large rimmed sheet tray.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Clinicians interviewed across The Healthy, Allure, Huffpost and Bustle broadly agree the blankets produce heat and sweat similar to a dry sauna.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of dry
Adjective
  • Their detached boathouse is located down the hill, which is pretty common for most Muskoka homes.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The regulations list possibilities including guest houses, caretaker residences, cabanas, gyms, libraries, pool houses, boat houses and detached garages.
    — Luisa Yanez Updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • Yes; there are spa treatments as well as a sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub circuit rooted in a traditional Ahousaht bathing ritual.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
  • So much of the last season with Charlie [Hunnam] was Charlie [as Ed Gein] in a barn or in a cold house talking to himself.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • Given with the cancer drug Keytruda after surgery, the treatment significantly improved the time patients remained free of recurrence and distant spread compared with Keytruda alone.
    — Sally C. Pipes, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Once a distant ambition for technology researchers, the prospect of artificial intelligence models teaching themselves autonomously to be more efficient and capable appears ever closer to reality.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • The stereotype of an introverted software developer, siloed in an office far removed from the rest of the organization, will become a thing of the past.
    — Alberto Lugo, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Behavioral assessments help reveal how individual traits — such as whether a person is more introverted or extroverted, decisive or collaborative — align with other team members.
    — Karla Vallecillo, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of introverted
Adjective
  • In an era of ball-to-feet No 10s and withdrawn strikers, Welbeck stays high up the pitch, runs the channels and occupies defenders.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The withdrawn earnings are taxed as ordinary income, the Treasury said.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of withdrawn
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Carla receives a voice recording that proves that one of the company’s most efficient team leaders, Madame Lalouette (Carine Rouvier), has been verbally abusing the timid Madame Morel (Sandra Le Gall).
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Known for his gruff vocals, LaMontagne first came to the scene in the early aughts as a timid troubadour.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of timid

Browse Nearby Words

reclusion
reclusive
recognition
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reclusive. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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