Synonyms of recess

recess 1 of 2

noun

ˈrē-ˌses 

1

as in alcove

a hollowed-out space in a wall

the curator placed the large vase in one of the recesses of the gallery wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alcove
• corner
• nook
• housing
• cubbyhole
• niche
• cubicle
• cranny
• embrasure
• shrine
• indent
• indentation
• dent
• indenture
• ambry

2

as in vacation

a period during which the usual routine of school or work is suspended

the couple goes to Florida every January for a month-long recess from the rigors of winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vacation
• holiday
• break
• leave
• hols
• rest
• furlough
• breather
• relaxation
• interval
• sabbatical
• respite
• liberty
• intermission
• interim
• legal holiday
• loafing
• feast
• idling
• holy day
• lounging
• slacking

3

as in pause

a momentary halt in an activity

the judge called for a brief recess so that the witness could regain her composure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pause
• lull
• break
• breath
• interruption
• rest
• interval
• breather
• time-out
• suspension
• respite
• interlude
• interim
• intermission
• stopping
• finishing
• cessation
• stoppage
• termination
• discontinuance
• gap
• expiration
• downtime
• moratorium
• lapse
• ending
• abeyance
• hiatus
• hitch
• discontinuity
• surcease

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• progress
• continuation
• extension
• persistence
• endurance
• progression
• prolongation

4

as in hole

a sunken area forming a separate space

decided to camp in a sandy recess where the beach met the forest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hole
• cavity
• dent
• pit
• concavity
• hollow
• depression
• furrow
• indentation
• trench
• ditch
• cave
• groove
• dint
• alcove
• valley
• indenture
• cavern
• basin
• excavation
• bowl
• burrow
• trough
• socket
• opening
• impression
• gutter
• pocket
• nook
• crater
• cleft
• dimple
• vacuum
• notch
• alveolus
• water hole
• borehole
• abyss
• imprint
• void
• well
• niche
• pothole
• chasm
• gouge
• sinkhole
• vacuity
• chuckhole
• posthole
• gulf
• wallow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• projection
• protrusion
• bulge
• convexity
• hill
• camber
• rise
• protuberance
• mound
• tumor
• jut
• swelling
• hump
• swell
• bump
• lump
• bunch
• pimple

recess

2 of 2

verb

as in to suspend

to bring to a formal close for a period of time

the judge recessed the court for lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suspend
• adjourn
• postpone
• interrupt
• prorogue
• prorogate
• table
• reserve
• end
• defer
• shelve
• break off
• stop
• halt
• put off
• discontinue
• hold off
• intermit
• recall
• disband
• disperse
• close
• terminate
• call
• wind up
• dissolve
• revoke
• repeal
• conclude
• wrap up
• void
• rescind
• call off
• invalidate
• break up
• nullify
• abort
• quash
• annul
• abrogate
• negate
• drop

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open
• extend
• continue
• proceed
• launch
• prolong
• inaugurate
• carry on
• draw out
• resume
• reopen
• renew
• call
• convene
• assemble
• rally
• summon
• muster
• convoke

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of recess

Noun

Annaconne and Faigenbaum both said that includes children having access to safe, noncompetitive activity, like recess in schools, and positive role models, like parents. — Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 2 July 2026

The House is currently in recess and returns in mid-July, when Speaker Mike Johnson could put the matter up for a vote. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Verb

It’s recessed, maybe a foot behind the steering wheel. — James Raia, Mercury News, 21 June 2026

Layer recessed lights, sconces, and floor lamps to brighten low-light areas. — Jody Garlock, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026