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 As a result, Lizzie became increasingly reclusive over the years. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 Which is how, at a funeral parlor, Bernie comes to meet Araminta (Jodie Comer channeling her inner Helena Bonham-Carter as a gothic, reclusive cat lady). — Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026 For all its intimidating size and appearance, the giant huntsman is reclusive and not considered dangerous to humans. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 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 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 withdrawn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
  • Top with reserved hazelnuts and press in gently to adhere (surface will be smothered with nuts).
    — Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Forced to pick up the pieces of her life on the eve of the Great Depression, the reserved Caddie lands a job behind a bustling pub.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of reserved
Adjective
  • Although the region got some rain Sunday and Monday, most of it fell in areas south of Los Angeles County, leaving Los Angeles and Ventura counties very dry.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Combine turkey stock or chicken broth and dry red wine in a large glass measuring cup.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of dry
Adjective
  • The year-to-date median close price for detached homes sits at $650,000, matching each of the past two years.
    — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Firefighters were called out to a residential fire near Pomegranate Avenue and found significant fire coming from a home and a detached garage.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of detached
Adjective
  • That level of pure confidence while talking to the person with cold, hard footage is what makes Lisa Barlow the perfect Real Housewife.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Shea’s supervisor confronted her when Shea’s findings in a cold case could not be replicated.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • As the men draw closer to the peak, the likelihood of reaching it actually grows more distant.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Henry’s horrified too, but my guy’s also confused because instead of really feeling for what her husband has been through, Julia is cold and distant.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of distant
Adjective
  • What readers are saying The comments reflect a range of perspectives on a relationship dynamic where one partner, an extrovert, desires more social planning from their introverted spouse.
    — Emily Morman, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Defense can’t be too timid, but there needs to be rational response to an asymmetric downside.
    — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Yukon Golds bring plenty of flavor on their own, while garlic and rosemary steeped in warm milk and cream make sure there’s nothing timid about them.
    — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 2026.

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