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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
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
See All Example Sentences for reclusive
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
See All Example Sentences for reclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reclusive
Adjective
-
Sprinkle with the reserved hazelnuts and the parsley, and drizzle with the pul biber oil.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
16 May 2026
-
The audiences there were more reserved and showed their appreciation at the end.—
Zama Magudulela,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The end product is usually tough, dry, and stringy.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 May 2026
-
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is set and dry but not browned, then let cool for 5 minutes.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
This is one reason why a partner of someone with avoidant attachment may perceive their partner as emotionally unavailable, overly self-sufficient, detached or distant or resistant to commitment.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
-
The price gap Condos generally cost less than detached homes, which is why first-time buyers often start there.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
When occupancy is lower, the evening happy hour takes place in the lobby lounge, but does not skimp on the buffet spread of hot and cold items, enough for dinner for many people.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Rebecca Montero’s lighting design and Steve Covey’s projection design helps define the many places Moses inhabits, shifting the mood and focus with subtle changes that suggest everything from cold, city streets to synagogues to the Berkshire woods.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
The hotel is on a block next to a major road, but the noise is more of a distant city hum than a nuisance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
The forces shaping our lives can often feel distant, abstract, and impossible to grasp — but through adventure, investigation, and deeply human storytelling, The Human Element inspires a sense of hope and connection.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Season 5 of Bridgerton, produced by Shondaland, spotlights the Bridgertons’ introverted middle daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd).—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
-
Some people describe him as introverted, and others describe him as a man of few words.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
The typically quiet, withdrawn student seemed more engaged in his first-period class than usual, English teacher Sarah Murer told investigators.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
-
The withdrawn draft focused on setting up several new watchdogs to keep AI in check, including a dedicated commission and a special insurance fund to help people if the new technology caused harm.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Your favorite team probably doesn’t use them much, if at all, because they’re considered extremely difficult and most GMs are timid babies who are afraid of getting yelled at.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
That bill is a direct response to a Supreme Court that handed the executive branch a dangerous blank check and a Congress too timid to push back.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reclusive. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
