Meaning & use
recluse
A person who chooses to live alone and avoids the company of other people.
See it in a sentence
After the scandal, the once-famous actor became a recluse, rarely leaving his country house.
The old recluse at the end of the lane hadn't spoken to a neighbor in years.
A note on using this word
Recluse often carries a slightly negative or pitying tone, suggesting isolation, whereas 'hermit' can suggest a deliberate spiritual or philosophical choice.
Words with a similar meaning
hermitloner
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “recluse”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.