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

On June 30, 13 Republicans followed through on those threats, sinking the procedural measure put on the floor by leadership and upending plans to pass several must-pass pieces of legislation ahead of the House’s July 4 recess. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026

The laws come in the wake of nearly three years of wars — from Gaza to Lebanon and Iran — and ahead of the Knesset’s break for the summer recess. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Verb

The interiors include luxury details such as stone-look countertops, designer cabinetry, recessed LED lighting, higher-grade vinyl flooring, and even a spacious ceiling height over 7 feet. — Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 22 June 2026

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