recovery

noun

re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkə-və-rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
-ˈkəv-rē
plural recoveries
Synonyms of recovery
1
: the act, process, or an instance of recovering
especially : an economic upturn (as after a depression)
2
: the process of combating a disorder (such as alcoholism) or a real or perceived problem

Synonyms of recovery

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Examples of recovery in a Sentence

This policy may slow the pace of economic recovery. We hope for the recovery of the stolen paintings. Their mission was the recovery of the space capsule.
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.
The autonomous vehicle launches from a carrier aircraft and conducts high-speed atmospheric tests before returning for recovery. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026 Unless there’s a settlement, resolution of this lawsuit—and potential recovery for the creditors—is a long way off, with a trial set for early 2028. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 For the past few years, the addiction recovery nonprofit Shatterproof has helped about half a dozen states craft policies on kratom. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026 The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recovery

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recovery was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing recovery

Rhymes for recovery

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Browse Nearby Words

recoveror
recovery
recovery furnace
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Cite this Entry

“Recovery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recovery. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

recovery

noun
re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
plural recoveries
: the act or process or an instance of recovering

Medical Definition

recovery

noun
re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
plural recoveries
: the act of regaining or returning toward a normal or healthy state

Legal Definition

recovery

noun
re·​cov·​ery ri-ˈkə-və-rē How to pronounce recovery (audio)
plural recoveries
1
: the act, process, or fact of recovering
2
a
: the obtaining, getting back, or vindication of a right or property by judgment or decree
especially : the obtaining of damages
b
: an amount awarded by or collected as a result of a judgment or decree

More from Merriam-Webster on recovery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recovery

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