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recreation 1 of 2

noun (1)

ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce recreation (audio)
Definition of recreationnext
1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in entertainment
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment bowling is great recreation on a rainy afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in amusement
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public water parks have become a significant part of the recreation business

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in sport
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure as with other men of his class and income, his principal recreations were polo and yachting

Synonyms & Similar Words

re-creation

2 of 2

noun (2)

as in restoration

Related 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 recreation
Noun
Officials noted that, on balance, the reconstruction is reducing student capacity at these schools, which also allows for more open space and recreation areas. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Plans for a large post office, theater building featuring a clock tower, and a recreation center never came to fruition. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
The park, for instance, has built a 30-foot-long re-creation of SoFi Stadium, and elsewhere has created brick versions of a host of soccer stars. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 In Disclosure Day, this manifests itself in a third act that at times feels like a cinematic therapy session, as the characters all converge toward the physical re-creation of a past Daniel and Margaret have forgotten. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for recreation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recreation
  1. relaxation
  2. entertainment
  3. amusement
  4. sport
  5. restoration
  6. fun
  7. diversion
  8. pursuit
Noun
  • Quiet relaxation rooms and outdoor terraces are focused firmly on the surrounding peaks, encouraging guests to look up rather than down at their phones.
    — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
  • For a respite after long days of exploring the city, Dior Spa Plaza Athénée, Christian Dior’s first European spa, is an on-site venue with a strong relaxation and beauty philosophy—a favorite for the high-fashion crowd and tastemakers in the city.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • No stranger to controversy or criticism, Sweeney, 29, faced the music from Olympic athletes, entertainment icons and millions of keyboard warriors who voiced their opinions of the naked ad.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The appointment came a day after Disney named former YouTube executive Adam Smith chairman of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment, putting him in charge of the company’s global entertainment streaming business.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, a legendary figure in the game and not known to smile often, was among the staff drafted in to help dress Arrow for the occasion — much to Arrow’s own amusement.
    — Michael Bailey, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In stories centered on objects ranging from a button to a tin soldier, young authors recognize the it-narrative’s potential not only for amusement but for showcasing the power of the small and marginal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • That seemed to be the overriding theme of the night, and the sport in general.
    — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • While the behavior was distracting, Osaka hopes that bringing tennis to a new audience overall will benefit the sport, as long as new fans learn the rules and etiquette of spectating.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of sport
Noun
  • Gordonstoun — the alma mater of King Charles III and his late father, Prince Philip — runs an annual service project on the remote island called the Swona Service Project, where students take part in archaeological and restoration work.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Now, however, the boutique physical media label Fun City Editions has released a superb Blu-ray of the film, featuring both a gorgeous restoration and illuminating supplements.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of restoration
Noun
  • There was nothing that had escaped being stamped with the Festival’s ubiquitous emblem–sweets, cigarettes, perfume, even sandals–Specially designed to keep you cool and smartly shod for fun-loving Festival walking!
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Buildings drip with embellishments; monuments to the city’s writers, artists and musicians seem to be on every corner, and the public transit system and plentiful taxis made for a fun and easy whistle-stop tour of some of Budapest’s main sites.
    — Lucy Handley, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • Their rule in Yemen has inflicted suffering on people through corruption, coercion, aid diversion, and war.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Tejeda explained that the hearing would determine whether Taubman was both eligible and suitable for mental health diversion.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of diversion
Noun
  • Still, in the pursuit of the A-list, the show hasn’t forgotten its roots.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The mob zigzagged a few more times, with the herders in pursuit.
    — Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of pursuit

Browse Nearby Words

re-creating
recreation
re-creation
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Cite this Entry

“Recreation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recreation. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on recreation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recreation

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