alcoves

Definition of alcovesnext
plural of alcove
1
as in pavilions
a freestanding airy structure in a scenic setting (as a park) typically offering commanding views a small alcove in one corner of the backyard garden

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2
as in nooks
a hollowed-out space in a wall an ancient vase in an alcove and a sculpture of Achilles on a stand in the museum's Greek Hall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of alcoves Upon entry, clients are ushered through a tunnel of golden arches that lead to the main hall, where skin diagnostics are made in three separate alcoves. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025 Now, designers like Hám Interiors are making clever use of compact spaces by fitting bedrooms with alcoves that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Chloe Frost-Smith, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 Inside the intimate cantina, a curved bar stands at the center of a domed space with alcoves around the edges. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2025 Sand and silt that settle from floodwaters in places that smaller flows never reach, such as caves or alcoves along the walls of bedrock canyons. Ellen Wohl august 20, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2025 The lagoon has a few small alcoves and underwater benches to enjoy, as well as a cold plunge, a smaller hot bath, and natural steam baths. Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 1 Apr. 2025 Incorporating antique finds, greenery, and utilizing your home's quirky features, like alcoves and nooks, are just a few of the ways your home is set apart from the rest on the block. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025 The artsy atmosphere of the hotel attracts remote workers to the lobby’s many alcoves to work. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2025 The space is broken into five main sections, with private rooms, semi-private booths hidden in elaborate alcoves, a full bar slinging yuzu lemon drops and even a sushi bar. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alcoves
Noun
  • Walkers and bikers traversing down the path and a new bridge will see two new pavilions as well as the Athletic Club Boise Stadium, where a new professional soccer team whose name and colors were revealed in 2025 will play.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Visitors planning a picnic can reserve one of the park pavilions—each equipped with water, electricity, and six tables—for $35 per day by calling the ranger station at 352-493-6072.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Not only might the clothing item be damaged, but the embellishments can get caught in the nooks and cranny of the dryer or snag other items.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Always opt for double vanities in primary bathrooms, and tuck toilets away from doors in nooks.
    Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His popularity in other corners was evident in an October appearance on The View, in which cohost Whoopi Goldberg had to reprimand the audience for shouting out too many supportive exclamations.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026
  • All that oomph is split between all four corners by a seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Bargaining capital also arises through unconventional alignments of medium-size powers, each with their distinctive niches.
    Boris Babic, Fortune, 3 Jan. 2026
  • As for how the coffins were placed, archeological evidence suggests that some caskets were slotted into natural or carved niches in the rock face, while others were placed on wooden beams that had been driven into cliff faces for support.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alcoves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alcoves. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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