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
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
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
Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
The House briefly recessed but returned one hour later to approve the map.
—Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 trial was recessed Wednesday and is likely to be dismissed as soon as Thursday.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
The House briefly recessed but returned one hour later to approve the map.
—Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
Other highlights include a sunken living room centered around a fireplace, with a bay-windowed alcove that accommodates a grand piano beneath a vintage Murano milk-glass calla lily chandelier.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
12 June 2026
-
The sleeping alcove offers more privacy than the typical studio due to floor-to-ceiling built-ins.—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
On vacation, at the beach, or while hitting up the weekend farmers market, this summer frock delivers convenience in the form of practical pockets.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2026
-
So how do travelers combine a land and underwater safari vacation?—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Since the clock doesn't stop during a match, this accounts for the pauses in play.—
Mike Toole,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
On Friday evening, that pause may finally have happened.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Options for family fun range from tennis and pickleball courts, croquet lawns, and two 18-hole golf courses to a seasonal outdoor pool with a waterslide and splash pad.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
The Braves’ hot start has covered over some holes.—
Jim Bowden,
New York Times,
16 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
-
As a federal holiday, mail is not delivered on this date and some businesses may be closed.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
But, coming at the end of an album that’s otherwise governed by an egalitarian teamwork-makes-the-dream-work ethos, the moment feels a bit like letting the boss take the last-call karaoke number as the office holiday party winds down—an indulgence well earned.—
Stuart Berman,
Pitchfork,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Tuesday through Thursday there is a lull in activity, the sun will shine and temperatures will rise, eventually reaching into the upper 90s by Thursday.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
-
When passengers see one person waiting, others assume there will be a wait and join in turning a brief lull into a steady backup.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
What was left showed a cavity about 3 light-years long and with an opening angle of 45 degrees, leading back to the black hole itself.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
Some pine tree-nesting birds have been known to peck the tree trunk around the nest cavity so the sap will run down and protect the babies from climbing snakes.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
