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

The Major Richard Star Act has strong bipartisan support and when the House returns from recess this month, lawmakers are expected to vote on it. — Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026

Other tips include scheduling recess before lunch and extending lunchtime. — CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

Verb

Around the back, the AC charging input sits alongside the dual DC8020 solar inputs, which are recessed into the chassis. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Each one is bright and airy, with moody accents and recessed lighting above the bed. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026