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

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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
as in pause
a momentary halt in an activity the judge called for a brief recess so that the witness could regain her composure

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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
On June 30, 13 Republicans followed through on those threats, sinking the procedural measure put on the floor by leadership and upending plans to pass several must-pass pieces of legislation ahead of the House’s July 4 recess. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026 The laws come in the wake of nearly three years of wars — from Gaza to Lebanon and Iran — and ahead of the Knesset’s break for the summer recess. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 14 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
  • Unlike most toppers, which include a cabover alcove, the Wingman collapses down to a basic box for travel.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of alcove
Noun
  • Melvin has a vacation scheduled for next week and will not be hosting Today.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • Argentina’s national stadium is Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires, but the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons might make a case to be their new favorite vacation spot, if not a second home.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 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 companion Over-the-Range Microwave also includes Air Fry Max and boasts convection cooking, which circulates hot air throughout the cavity for faster and more even cooking.
    — Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • And cavity-nesting bees tended to be more magnetic than ground-nesting bees.
    — Laura Russo, The Conversation, 17 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of recess for Spanish Speakers

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