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
  • Paying attention to your own body’s needs, and making time for a quick, warm shower can be not only essential for skin health and odor control, but good for relaxation.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The spa is a lovely space at the front of the ship with relaxation areas, a sauna, beauty salon, and fitness center.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • But when the Orcs come sniffing, those same qualities transform him from fun-loving hobbit to fierce protector.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But many captains say the importance of having fun should not be underestimated — fun that almost always includes a ping pong table in the team room.
    — Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • Juvenile offenders will be offered opportunities to participate in safety diversion programs.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The world of things, bodies, texts and sensations as a plane or a web of connections and diversions, all of it on the signifying surface.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on recreation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recreation

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