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
Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Worrell agreed to put forward his request as a formal amendment, leading to a nearly 40-minute recess in the meeting to draft a new resolution.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 May 2026
Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026
Since Capitol Hill recessed last week after failing to end the nearly seven-week-long Department of Homeland Security shutdown, the tabloid set its sights on trying to shame lawmakers who skipped town amid the crisis.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham said a two-hour recess might have been nice during his elementary school days, but there is much more to it than playing on swings and slides.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Worrell agreed to put forward his request as a formal amendment, leading to a nearly 40-minute recess in the meeting to draft a new resolution.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 May 2026
Verb
Stucchi recommends in-paver LEDs, low bollards, or recessed path lighting to give your driveway a welcoming glow.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026
Since Capitol Hill recessed last week after failing to end the nearly seven-week-long Department of Homeland Security shutdown, the tabloid set its sights on trying to shame lawmakers who skipped town amid the crisis.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
Take a peep at the pool through the secret window in the cheetah-print alcove of the master bedroom.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
The food court was completely shuttered, and the Coca-Cola vending machines had been yanked from their alcoves.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The traditional start of summer vacation season — Memorial Day — is little more than a week away.—
Charles Seabrook,
AJC.com,
16 May 2026
-
Even Dua Lipa—arguably the reigning queen of vacation dressing—gave her stamp of approval, posting an Instagram photo wearing the brand’s Alex sunglasses in tortoise.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
There was a pause in the action in the fourth inning when plate umpire Brian O’Nora exited with concussion-like symptoms after getting hit by a foul ball.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
-
Let’s pause here for a moment for an important bit of context.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Rai closed in commanding fashion, playing his final 10 holes in six-under par without a blemish on the scorecard en route to a closing 65 and a three-shot victory at nine-under overall.—
Jeff Goudy,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Some birds also will poke holes in the ground looking for tasty critters.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
In March, in the early stages of the Iran war, the transport ministry had met with both MSC and Maersk regarding their shipping operations, with reports indicating the branch was concerned over the stability of trade after the carriers suspended service to the Middle East.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
-
In March, Uthmeier called on the NFL to suspend the rule altogether.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Outside, below the gold script Donohue’s sign, there is a small glass box window that looks onto the street and is lavishly decorated for nearly every federal holiday.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
-
Republican leaders won’t be able to count on much support from Democrats — or even from some of their GOP colleagues, who see a gas tax holiday as depleting money for highway projects.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The quality, however, doesn’t make for a pleasant viewing experience, especially during lulls in the season like the one the Dodgers are currently battling through.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
There’s typically an offseason lull with most players, so drops in price or sales volume aren’t abnormal this time of year for NFL players.—
Benjamin Burrows,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Chagyrskaya 64 has a second cavity, which overlaps a groove in the side of the tooth that looks like trademark evidence of picking.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
13 May 2026
-
Dubbed Chagyrskaya 64, the tooth stood out among dozens of others found in the cave because its crown featured a deep, irregular hole that extended all the way into the pulp chamber, or the inner cavity containing nerves and blood vessels.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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