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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Recent Examples of reclusive
Released on Netflix in September 2020, the film revolves around a reclusive gamer, Joon-woo (Yoo Ah-in), who locks himself up inside his apartment after realizing that a deadly virus is raging outside.
—
Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
In one example in April, Indian police arrested an American YouTuber who visited an off-limits island in the Indian Ocean and left an offering of a Diet Coke can in an attempt to make contact with the reclusive Sentinelese tribe, which is known to shoot at outsiders with bows and arrows.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2025
Not necessarily reclusive perhaps, but just private, as much of us are.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Tributes have continued to pour in on social media from peers of the reclusive R&B visionary, including comments from Tyler, the Creator, Jill Scott, E-40, Royce Da 5’9 and Timbaland.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reclusive
Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
In one example in April, Indian police arrested an American YouTuber who visited an off-limits island in the Indian Ocean and left an offering of a Diet Coke can in an attempt to make contact with the reclusive Sentinelese tribe, which is known to shoot at outsiders with bows and arrows.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2025
Not necessarily reclusive perhaps, but just private, as much of us are.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Tributes have continued to pour in on social media from peers of the reclusive R&B visionary, including comments from Tyler, the Creator, Jill Scott, E-40, Royce Da 5’9 and Timbaland.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reclusive
Adjective
-
Free, or $32 for a reserved seat and book copy.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Stir in the reserved sausage, beans and turnip greens.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Friday starts out warm and dry, possibly some early sunshine, and a chance to hit 60, depending on when showers arrive.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The video, narrated with dry sarcasm and visible exhaustion, quickly went viral.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Some feel detached, as if the shock still lingered, and the realization of survival despite the improbability had not set in.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
23 Dec. 2025
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Other structures out on the property include a detached and heated garage with studio space and a barn with horse stalls and a workshop.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The slick material keeps chafing to a minimum during workouts, and the brushed inside is so soft against the skin and helps keep cold air out and your body heat in.—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
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The heating coils are wrapped tightly and distributed evenly throughout the throw, providing consistent warmth without noticeable cold spots.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The recognition also reflects a shift at CES 2026, where many robotics companies emphasized real-world deployment timelines instead of distant promises.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
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Ole Miss likely had the rooting interest of many in America, and not only because the Rebels’ modest history in the sport boasted only one recognized national championship, and that one in distant 1960.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That means an introverted parent who feels social pressure to buy many gifts for their shy and easily overwhelmed child may be inadvertently causing stress.—
Angela J. Narayan,
The Conversation,
19 Dec. 2025
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Bi described himself to me as still an essentially introverted person.—
Dennis Zhou,
New Yorker,
12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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This means the country’s appetite for bold exploration, which the compact between science and government supported for decades, may be gone, too—leaving in its place more timid, short-term thinking.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
30 Dec. 2025
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So that Indiana politicians could grow timid.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reclusive. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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