1
2
as in vacation
a period during which the usual routine of school or work is suspended
the couple goes to Florida every January for a month-long recess from the rigors of winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in pause
a momentary halt in an activity
the judge called for a brief recess so that the witness could regain her composure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in hole
a sunken area forming a separate space
decided to camp in a sandy recess where the beach met the forest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to suspend
to bring to a formal close for a period of time
the judge recessed the court for lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of recess
Eric McDaniel, NPR, 11 June 2026
The arrests were made shortly before 5 p.m., and soon after a warning was issued by City Council President Liz Breadon, who had been forced to call multiple recesses that stretched for roughly two hours due to the interruption.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
The House briefly recessed but returned one hour later to approve the map.
—Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
On Thursday, the House failed in its effort to pass a three-week extension of the program and left Washington for a scheduled recess.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 11 June 2026
The arrests were made shortly before 5 p.m., and soon after a warning was issued by City Council President Liz Breadon, who had been forced to call multiple recesses that stretched for roughly two hours due to the interruption.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Verb
The trial was recessed Wednesday and is likely to be dismissed as soon as Thursday.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
The House briefly recessed but returned one hour later to approve the map.
—Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
Other highlights include a sunken living room centered around a fireplace, with a bay-windowed alcove that accommodates a grand piano beneath a vintage Murano milk-glass calla lily chandelier.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
12 June 2026
-
The sleeping alcove offers more privacy than the typical studio due to floor-to-ceiling built-ins.—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Designed with a plunging neckline, modest bum coverage, and compressive fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, the elegant silhouette offers rich-girl vacation energy that could easily double as a bodysuit with shorts.—
Olivia Cigliano,
InStyle,
20 June 2026
-
Travelers, beware jet skis in the Bahamas Travelers are being warned to be wary of jet ski excursions in the Bahamas, a popular cruise and vacation destination for Americans.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
That pause is the whole story for anyone who holds an insurance policy, because some of the rules in the firing line decide how the algorithms that price your cover are allowed to behave.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
If someone urges you to splurge, smile, breathe, and pause.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Options for family fun range from tennis and pickleball courts, croquet lawns, and two 18-hole golf courses to a seasonal outdoor pool with a waterslide and splash pad.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
The Braves’ hot start has covered over some holes.—
Jim Bowden,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
One change was involuntary after captain César Montes earned a red card and was suspended for tonight's game.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
Kemp said the union was told that the carriage owner has suspended the driver indefinitely and plans to retire the horse involved in the accident.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
As a federal holiday, mail is not delivered on this date and some businesses may be closed.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
But, coming at the end of an album that’s otherwise governed by an egalitarian teamwork-makes-the-dream-work ethos, the moment feels a bit like letting the boss take the last-call karaoke number as the office holiday party winds down—an indulgence well earned.—
Stuart Berman,
Pitchfork,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Tuesday through Thursday there is a lull in activity, the sun will shine and temperatures will rise, eventually reaching into the upper 90s by Thursday.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
-
When passengers see one person waiting, others assume there will be a wait and join in turning a brief lull into a steady backup.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
What was left showed a cavity about 3 light-years long and with an opening angle of 45 degrees, leading back to the black hole itself.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
Some pine tree-nesting birds have been known to peck the tree trunk around the nest cavity so the sap will run down and protect the babies from climbing snakes.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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