recess 1 of 2

noun

ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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
Noun
Lawmakers in both chambers are scheduled to leave on a weekslong summer recess at the end of July. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Bring recess back as a mandatory part of the school schedule. — Taylor Carney, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
It’s recessed, maybe a foot behind the steering wheel. — James Raia, Mercury News, 21 June 2026 Layer recessed lights, sconces, and floor lamps to brighten low-light areas. — Jody Garlock, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
  1. alcove
  2. vacation
  3. pause
  4. hole
  5. suspend
  6. holiday
  7. lull
  8. cavity
Noun
  • Ours was a 430-square-foot Sapphire Suite, with a walk-in closet, couch, dining table, an alcove with a queen-size bed, and a big marble bathroom with double sinks and a large shower.
    — Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • This space houses a stone alcove bed, additional sleeping space, a generous kitchen, and a beautiful bathroom of stone and cocciopesto.
    — Lucrezia Worthington, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 June 2026
Definition of alcove
Noun
  • The result is a new generation of patients planning trips around treatments rather than squeezing appointments into an existing vacation.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • And some of these even make for the perfect cover-up to take you from the beach to aperitivo on your summer vacation.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 9 July 2026
Definition of vacation
Noun
  • In a text message to the Star-Telegram, Crain argued the pause would give Fort Worth the opportunity to create a framework that could serve as a model for other cities confronting similar challenges.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
  • The move follows an inspector general audit urging a pause on new deployments and contracts until enforceable privacy, security and oversight rules are in place.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • Mozeliak said the Angels should not consider a trade proposal in isolation, without considering how to flex their major-market muscles to fill whatever hole a trade might create.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The difference between these two measurements gives the exciton binding energy, a key quantity that determines how strongly the electron and hole remain bound together.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Definition of hole
Verb
  • Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Charles Snowden has been suspended for the first three games of the 2026 season, the NFL announced Tuesday afternoon.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • His design for Fallingwater therefore suspends the architecture above the fall itself, filling the home constantly with the powerful sound of rushing water.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
Definition of suspend
Noun
  • The property’s cold-weather setup—with igloos and seasonal programming, like holiday light trails and courtyard bonfires—offers a slower side of Montauk that most summer visitors never see.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The Oaktree Capital Management cofounder and his wife, Nancy, have owned La Posada and Sa Punta for more than a decade, using the adjoining properties as holiday retreats.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
Definition of holiday
Noun
  • Parties have exploited lulls in fighting to buy time, rebuild capabilities and consolidate political or territorial gains ahead of the next round of conflict.
    — Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
  • Oceanfront has long been treated as the aristocrat of waterfront living, prized for its horizon lines, lull of the tide and powerful symbolism of standing where land gives way.
    — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of lull
Noun
  • The resulting cavities are filled with dedicated acoustic damping material to control unwanted internal reflections.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Doggy dens and cat cubbies Cozy sleeping nooks built into under-stair cavities, cabinet bases, or custom millwork, giving pets a den of their own that disappears into the architecture.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of cavity

Browse Nearby Words

recertifying
recess
recessed
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Cite this Entry

“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of recess for Spanish Speakers

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