alcoves

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

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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 By that time Dame Frances had established the idea of theaters of memory—imaginary architectural structures, replete with columns and alcoves and windows, where items can be placed for later recollection. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 The food court was completely shuttered, and the Coca-Cola vending machines had been yanked from their alcoves. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 Meanwhile, the two-story cottages include nap nooks, snug reading and rest alcoves. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026 The six individual bunkbed alcoves, built inside the airline's new fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, will have a lie-flat bed with a mattress, pillow, sheets, blanket and a seatbelt. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 The boards illustrate the two-story building with details such as white walls and a clay roof, alcoves and residential balconies facing the street. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026 The alcoves on the rotunda's first level long held Iowa units' battle flags, including the 2nd Infantry's scarred banner. Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026 Guests crunch through colorful seasonal salads, sip from an expansive wine list and dig into chef Alan Sternberg's inventive pasta dishes at snugly cloistered tables in wood and brick alcoves lined with paintings, books and even a handful of typewriters. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 Elsewhere, the children’s bunkroom pairs two built-in bunks with two captain’s beds tucked in their own alcoves. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alcoves
Noun
  • The residence offers four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and a powder room in roughly 6,500 square feet across 10 interlocking pavilions.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 9 July 2026
  • On the National Mall this week, Freedom 250 signs pointed visitors toward temporary state pavilions, a Ferris wheel and mobile, transitory history exhibits.
    Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • As many news reports will remind you, thoroughly rinsing produce under clean, running water is recommended, especially for fruits and vegetables with nooks and crannies where dirt and contaminants may become trapped.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
  • Additionally, an adjacent staircase incorporates multiple drawers, nooks, and cupboards built into the wall.
    Adam Williams July 15, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Kennedy has been unable to implement several elements of his vaccine agenda in the face of resistance from different corners of the government, including within the health department and the White House, the Reuters reporting found.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Filled with leafy corners, soft shadows, and the relaxed pleasure of making something with your hands.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • The Ghastly Grotto started its life as a simple CostCo shed, but Mitchell has since turned it into a full-scale tiki bar, with niches and grottos packed with art, figurines and other bric-a-brac, all with a ghoulish bent.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • From trade show audiences reading the daily newspaper to countries where there is still active print readership (Germany, for example) to the few industries that have not yet switched to digital, there are niches where print still works.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alcoves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alcoves. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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