1
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of recess
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
This may be as simple as an argument over what game to play at recess.
—Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 30 Oct. 2025
Ken Harbaugh, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
The court recessed to address the issue, during which time DeBie produced the video, Eppink said.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
The measure has drawn support from across the political spectrum but remains stuck amid congressional recess and procedural maneuvering.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
This may be as simple as an argument over what game to play at recess.
—Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
Sandbags and plywood protected the windows, but the materials were recessed to be less noticeable, and fresh vehicle tracks marked the ground nearby.
—Ken Harbaugh, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
The court recessed to address the issue, during which time DeBie produced the video, Eppink said.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
The main floor welcomes owners and guests with a formal entryway leading into an open-plan living and dining area, complete with a sitting alcove and bar.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The space features fragrant evergreen boughs, which Rucci said are supposed to give the illusion of the Northwoods creeping into the alcove.—
Angelika Ytuarte,
jsonline.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Here's how to maximize your vacation time.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Due to their minimalist design, these mule sneakers are easy to pair with a nice outfit while on vacation, or wear casually with a cute matching set to go to the airport.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Tampa Bay’s defeat to New England gave the exec some pause on the Buccaneers, while the injury situation in San Francisco seems too much to overcome.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
After a Boston appeals court ruled late Friday to not immediately intervene, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a ruling pausing the requirement to distribute full SNAP payments until the appeals court rules on whether to issue a more lasting pause, the Associated Press said.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Dodgers could add Tucker to fill the massive hole in their outfield.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The HLSLongsleeve base layer features integrated thumb holes and an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of at least 40.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
His adventurous playmaking often fell flat and his needless yellow card for a late challenge on Florentino Luis means he is suspended for their next match, away to Bournemouth on the other side of the November international window.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
But that dynamic heated to a boiling point when ABC suspended the program in September, following Kimmel's brief remarks regarding the MAGA response to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
These simple salads will be right at home on your holiday table and are so easy to whip up (sometimes even in advance).—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Wireless Headphones For an extra-thoughtful holiday gift, consider these noise-canceling headphones.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
There was a lull on the other end.—
Robbie Robertson,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Nov. 2025
-
He was asked about the lulls in practice last week, but the 21-year-old noted that the vibes on Sunday were noticeably off as well.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Voids can contribute to sinkholes as the ground collapses into the underlying cavities.—
Stuart Dyos,
Nashville Tennessean,
11 Nov. 2025
-
John Brown is filling his last cavity.—
Richard Lederer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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