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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • There are no lifeguards here, but the park does offer family-friendly amenities like picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a beach wheelchair that can be reserved.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
  • There are scenic halls, pagodas and pavilions; gardens of immaculate topiary; and tranquil water features, including ponds with koi carp.
    Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • With its petite size, the light can fill up empty nooks and crannies while perfectly illuminating them.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Recurring parentheticals create nooks on the page, opening portals onto passing thoughts or faraway places (a balmy beach, a portside terrace), while forays into the present tense momentarily suspend narrative time with liveness and immediacy, particularly at moments of heightened emotion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The other women look at him from the corners of their eyes, and move carefully to the other side of the well.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • On draft night, Dëmin’s selection was questioned in some corners, framed as a reach or a gamble.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Hidden behind the current love fest with The Rest Is History, are thousands of History podcasts that have carved out popular niches in the historical record or what is missing from that record.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • These two niches have been big job creators for many years.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alcoves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alcoves. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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