recess 1 of 2

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

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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

3
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recess

2 of 2

verb

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 recess
Noun
While students are still allowed to bring their devices to school, they must be powered off and put away during the school day — with no exceptions for recess, lunch or after-school activities. Irit Skulnik, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025 While the House is scheduled to leave town Friday for a week back in their districts, the speaker set off his own fireworks -- telling his conference that members will not be dismissed for recess until the House approves the Senate’s changes. Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Verb
On June 16, 1978, one day after Branham High School recessed for summer, a student found Diane Peterson lying on the floor of the hallway near her classroom with a single stab wound to her chest, according to the Santa Clara County district attorney’s office. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 Shortly after the Legislature recessed, Sanders declined to rule out calling a special session to consider further cutting state income taxes after the end of fiscal 2025 on June 30 based on state general revenue tax collections. Josh Snyder, Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
  • For an extra $1,000, Tune offers the full 57-in-long (145-cm) alcove that's standard on the original M1.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 June 2025
  • Range alcoves provide opportunities for style on the inside, too.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The number of people still missing is unclear, Rice said, adding that officials can't begin to estimate actual numbers since there may have been an uncertain number of people visiting the region on vacation.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 6 July 2025
  • The small town about 15 miles south of the Vatican has hosted popes for the summer dating back to the 1600s, but Pope Francis never took a summer vacation during his 12-year papacy.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Republican leaders and tech industry groups have argued that a multiyear pause on state-level AI regulation is essential to giving U.S. companies the space to innovate and maintain an edge over China.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Before Trump announced the pause, Japanese exports were briefly subjected to a minimum tariff rate of 24%.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Now that hole is being filled with full service, amenitized buildings and a public park along the two mile canal.
    Shimon Shkury, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Fuller was then released in February, and the Dolphins still have a major hole for starting-caliber cornerbacks ahead of nickel Kader Kohou after the draft.
    David Furones, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • But the search was later suspended because of poor visibility.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
  • Subway service was suspended on the B line and on the uptown D line in Manhattan, according to the MTA.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Independence Day at Sutter Health Park Fans in attendance weren’t treated to a competitive contest on the field — but did enjoy near-perfect baseball weather with temperatures settling into the 70s, plus a postgame fireworks show to mark the Fourth of July holiday.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025
  • Store hours vary by location, so check with your local store regarding its specific holiday hours.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • In the depths of life’s lulls, it was forgotten, left in a bun for days, dry, untouched.
    Sophie Meharenna, Allure, 2 July 2025
  • Allocations will be adjusted dynamically with gold exposure increasing during crypto market downturns, and bitcoin exposure increasing when gold is in a lull period.
    Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Location of lymph nodes: Lymphoma is in lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm (the muscle that divides the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity).
    Marla Anderson, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025
  • Jayden had visible cavities on his front teeth – dark spots that had become the target of teasing and bullying by classmates.
    Olga Ensz, The Conversation, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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