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
The conflict has been escalating for a decade, dating to when the county commission passed a customary-use ordinance, declaring the public right to all beaches that had traditionally been used for recreation. — Debbie Elliott, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 The recreation is populated with people, animals, sound effects, and audio explanations. — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 3 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
  • Pattaya born of the Vietnam War In calling in a port near Pattaya, the Lincoln is coming to a rest-and-relaxation spot made famous during the Vietnam War-era as a raucous destination for US servicemembers to unwind from the pressures of war.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The Standards Did Not Move Gould has consistently separated the expansion of chartering from any relaxation of standards, and his own statements draw the line clearly.
    — AJ Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • Until now, backlash has been Hollywood’s default stance on AI, as the industry slumped under pressure from entertainment streaming services and soaring production costs.
    — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The scenery is beautiful, though the onboard entertainment leans into classic all-inclusive territory, complete with a digital saxophone performance, audience participation, and the inevitable Macarena throw down.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 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
  • Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka is known not just as one of the sport’s most skilled players, but as one of its most boundary-pushing style stars.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The two girls were falsely listed as recruits for the university’s crew team, even though neither ever participated in the sport.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of sport
Noun
  • The reline included replacing the furnace’s refractory lining and restoration of critical systems to support safe, reliable operation and extend its productive life, according to the release.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • If fraud occurs, restoration support may also help reduce the burden of dealing with calls, paperwork and disputes.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of restoration
Noun
  • And while the giant disco balls might not be for everyone, Musgraves seems to be having plenty of fun with them.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The all-day menu at Hurly-Burly is filled with light bites, plus an array of fun drinks for kids and adults.
    — Megan duBois, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • The gatherings were family events meant for diversion, Paul said.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Less snowpack, as well as more water diversions for agricultural and urban uses, has brought the lake down to less than 33% full and 8 feet below its minimum healthy elevation.
    — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of diversion
Noun
  • And the landscape itself provides inspiring backdrops for wellness activities and pursuits.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Newcastle signed 20-year-old defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco of France’s Ligue 1, while Howe’s abrupt departure after almost five years as head coach was another complicating factor in their pursuit of Bergvall.
    — Jay Harris, New York Times, 5 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on recreation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recreation

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