recess 1 of 2

Definition of recessnext
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

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3
4

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
Senators were ultimately unable to find a resolution on a path forward, leading Thune to send them home early in order to continue discussions last week during their Memorial Day recess. ABC News, 3 June 2026 The last recess, the last day of school, the last day for the school. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
Verb
The House briefly recessed but returned one hour later to approve the map. Miami Herald, 16 May 2026 The curved and recessed arms are comfortable and add softness to the design, and the seat and back are padded with thick foam that’s supportive and won’t crush with use. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
  • The sleeping alcove offers more privacy than the typical studio due to floor-to-ceiling built-ins.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 June 2026
  • The main 64 x 80-in (163 x 203-cm) super-queen bed is located up in the alcove, which is all but encased in glass thanks to its two large side windows and the skylight above.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • His company helps travelers book luxury vacation rentals in Turks and Caicos.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • Discover verified Agoda coupons and discount codes to save on hotels, flights, and vacation packages.
    Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Anthropic, one of OpenAI’s top competitors, has proposed mechanisms for coordinating pauses on advanced AI development if systems become too powerful.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
  • Located in the city's dynamic tech district, Whitefield, The Den Bengaluru seamlessly bridges heritage and innovation, offering an environment where guests can move seamlessly between focused work, casual connection, and moments of pause.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Fox hit big shots late as the Spurs avoided falling into a 3-0 hole, which no NBA team has escaped.
    Brian Mahoney, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • Whenever your outfit feels a little plain, these goodies will inject some welcome personality—all without blowing a hole in your budget.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Last month, Kenya's Education Ministry suspended the principal of Utumishi Girls Academy for failing to comply with school fire safety regulations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 June 2026
  • During last year’s budget negotiations, public sector unions signed new agreements with the state that resulted in moderate pay increases in exchange for suspending retirement contributions and instituting a leave program for state employees.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • All of the ducks don festive attire during holidays and big New England sports events.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • Indonesian authorities have vowed not to let the popular holiday island of Bali become a hideout for international criminals.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The government still remains optimistic that the livestock lull is temporary.
    Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 4 June 2026
  • Lucia Cheng After an afternoon lull, more voters are stopping by to cast their ballots in Des Moines' Precinct 40, located at Central Presbyterian Church.
    Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Back home, doctors noted a deep cavity had formed.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
  • The process begins with a femtosecond laser cutting GaN dielets from a wafer and drilling precise cavities into the diamond substrate.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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