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
Part of the impetus was a recent initiative called the Outdoor Adventure and Alternative Sports Strategic Plan, which sought to identify how Denver could offer more recreation opportunities to residents. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 17 July 2026 The association provides therapeutic recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the Fox Valley region. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 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
  • The brand focuses on adaptogens and nootropics designed around mood, relaxation and social connection, with a botanical, wellness-forward flavor profile.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • The two-story location hosts five treatment rooms, including one double; a relaxation lounge, and boutique carrying Dior perfumes, skin care and makeup.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 22 July 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • Photo courtesy of Easterseals For more than 40 years, the Media Access Awards has been one of the entertainment industry’s few dedicated platforms for recognizing disability representation on screen.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • In an era of entertainment increasingly dependent on franchises, Christopher Nolan has turned his name into one of them.
    — Gene Park, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Those who need an organ shouldn’t have their condition made into a subject of amusement and levity.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
  • Moments later, the camera panned to Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, who couldn’t contain his amusement.
    — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • The players came together more than a year ago and have been working with Larry Scott, a longtime sports executive and the former leader of the WTA Tour.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Fineman is set to play Parker Quinn, a sports reporter for a top publication who’s known as a dogged reporter with a passion for her beat.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
Definition of sport
Noun
  • At the start of the new millennium, its then-current steward sent the vehicle back to Zagato for a comprehensive restoration.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 July 2026
  • The four-floor flagship is currently under restoration, with the building wrapped in hoarding featuring Burberry’s signature trench.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Definition of restoration
Noun
  • Also, the texture, shapes and colors of the candy make for a fun experience to sample, pick and mix up your own bag.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • The cruise concludes in Fort Lauderdale, but the fun doesn’t have to.
    — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • Fans rightfully mocked the dancing cars mounted on robot arms that played during an inexplicable diversion on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Studio Tour.
    — Robert Niles, Oc Register, 21 July 2026
  • Earlier this month, a separate United flight made an unexpected diversion after pilots reportedly noticed unusual vibrations coming from one of the aircraft’s engines.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of diversion
Noun
  • The sharp lyrics and title are embodied in the music itself, most notably in the relentless rhythm section, which reflects the endless pursuit of conformity and ambition that Smith criticizes.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • In addition to its ongoing pursuit of LeBron James, the Heat also would like to add another veteran shooter and another veteran big man but might begin the season with only 14 under contract.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on recreation

Nglish: Translation of recreation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recreation

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