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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 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 The film follows a young director, played by Hannah Einbinder, who attempts to resurrect a fading slasher franchise and visits its reclusive original star, played by Gillian Anderson. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 14 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 withdrawn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
  • Make sure skin is clean and dry so the patch sticks — skip body lotions or oils in this area.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Saalt Wear leakproof underwear is super comfortable, featuring patented leak technology that's ultra-thin and dry and works for everything from periods to bladder leaks, from teenage years to postmenopause.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 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
  • Bronwyn’s mother, Muzzy, who was lambasted all of last season for being cold and arguably cruel to her daughter, is notably softer in her first scene back — though the bob is as cunty as ever.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • At Fuerte Guaicaipuro, a military facility, investigators documented detainees being confined in pit-like cells dug below ground level and subjected to cold, food deprivation and other degrading treatment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 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
  • Nick is more extroverted, more kind of outwardly in your face, whereas Sam’s a little introverted.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The researchers did not find equivalent evidence that introverted participants preferred an introverted AI.
    — Paul Jones, Scientific American, 7 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
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Cite this Entry

“Reclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reclusive. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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