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 House is in recess until after the midterm elections, and supporters hope to pass the bill at the end of the year. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

In reality, the upper chamber could embark on recess as early as this week until after the elections. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2026

Verb

The small, round sockets were recessed into the wall, and the adapter would hit the outlet plate, preventing the pins from going all the way into the holes. — Mark Marino, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

After recessing up the aisle, the newlyweds ran back across the bridge hand in hand. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026