reclusive

adjective

re·​clu·​sive ri-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce reclusive (audio)
-ziv
1
: seeking solitude : retiring from society
a reclusive neighbor
While Stephen King is far from reclusive, he doesn't spend much time promoting his horror-filled novels.Sarah Lyall
2
: marked by seclusion or retirement : solitary
… sit under the reclusive calm of the acacia tree.H. E. Bates
reclusively adverb
reclusiveness noun

Examples of reclusive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Warner, who is known for being reclusive, was at home at the time of the attack but not harmed. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 28 May 2025 She’s unexpectedly recruited by the brilliant but reclusive Fujitani to join Tenblank, where their rise to fame is complicated by personal secrets and industry challenges. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 May 2025 The once reclusive fashion icon has reentered the public eye within the last few years with a series of magazine features and buzzy appearances. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 The story follows a reclusive ex-cop who, after a mass shooting at a police funeral, must interrogate his fellow militia members in a secluded warehouse to uncover which of them is the killer, before the outside world closes in. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reclusive

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of reclusive was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Reclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reclusive. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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