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
Adam Beam, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Senators have left town for a two-week recess and are not planning to return until Monday, April 13.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
These slippers are slightly recessed to fit your foot perfectly.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
The Senate is in recess through mid-April.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Senators have left town for a two-week recess and are not planning to return until Monday, April 13.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
This might look like picture lights, recessed coves, or lamps outfitted with shades.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
These slippers are slightly recessed to fit your foot perfectly.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling dandelions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
All the way up front in the alcove, Kimbo takes advantage of the 8's larger footprint to install a proper 60 x 80-in (150 x 203-cm) queen-size mattress.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Disney World just announced five exciting new promotions for summer and into early fall, offering families multiple ways to potentially shave off hundreds of dollars from the total cost of their vacation.—
Carly Neil,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Don't wait for a vacation to treat yourself kindly.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Billy Randolph had shaped them and how his death had altered their lives, responses came after long pauses and were choked with grief.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But no pause was announced in the overall military campaign.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Just two weeks ago, Gary Woodland decided ot shared his struggles with post traumatic stress disorder, brought on after a September 2023 surgery, which involved a baseball-sized hole cut from the side of his head, to remove a brain lesion.—
Andrew McCarty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Canales admits the loss of Robinson leaves a hole in the defensive line rotation.—
Mike Kaye
March 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Unless Doncic's technical is rescinded, he will be suspended for a game.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The president cannot suspend the federal tax on his own.—
Matthew Daly,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Their annual festive holiday gift exchange spirals into a cutthroat game of Christmas carnage.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Americans in general, however, seem to love the Easter holiday.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Signs of growing confidence began to emerge late last year as exit values picked up and cash distribution for investors started flowing again, encouraging private equity to resume preparations to launch new funds after a multiyear lull in activity.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Loose ends and compelling payoffs await after a subdued and slow-ish first frame that struggles with a balance between dark brooding and uneven lull.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The researchers used a 5 × 5 array of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, or VCSELs, each capable of sending its own signal.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Typically cavities are found in mature trees, so having a dead tree or small pile of dead branches will actually increase your chances of Eastern bluebirds visiting your garden.—
Abby Fribush,
Southern Living,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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