reclusive

adjective

re·​clu·​sive ri-ˈklü-siv 

-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

In a dream world, reclusive bassist John Deacon would even play a role. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

The movie stars Dakota Johnson as up-and-coming writer Lowen Ashleigh, who’s been tasked with ghostwriting for famous, reclusive author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway). — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

Hathaway stars as the reclusive author Verity Crawford in the movie, who’s unable to finish her latest novel after an accident. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

As a result, Lizzie became increasingly reclusive over the years. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for reclusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• inclusive