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
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
Nik Popli, Time, 14 Apr. 2026
There remains no firm timeline for a House vote to reopen the agency, despite Congress returning from a two-week recess on Monday, April 14.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Another feature that enhanced observation was recessed objective lenses and super-spectra coating, which helped to reduce flare and ghosting.
—Matt Morris, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
Advertisement That tension is unfolding as Congress returns from a two-week recess, having been largely absent from the most volatile early phase of the conflict.
—Nik Popli, Time, 14 Apr. 2026
There remains no firm timeline for a House vote to reopen the agency, despite Congress returning from a two-week recess on Monday, April 14.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
Martine Moïse, who was wounded during the attack, testified for about an hour before court recessed for the day.
—David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Another feature that enhanced observation was recessed objective lenses and super-spectra coating, which helped to reduce flare and ghosting.
—Matt Morris, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
Decorative glass sometimes appears on an interior wall, say, in a wine room or bar alcove, strictly for the pleasure of the room’s occupants.—
Allison Hatfield,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The boards illustrate the two-story building with details such as white walls and a clay roof, alcoves and residential balconies facing the street.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This crochet sweater is a close match to Alba’s vacation ’fit.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Chee was arrested Thursday while on a family vacation to Disney World and charged with seven counts of second-degree murder — one for each person killed in July 1 blast.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday Ukraine is ready to mirror any ceasefire steps, having earlier proposed to Russia a pause in attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure over the Orthodox Easter holiday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Leon, in issuing the temporary pause, concluded that the preservationist group behind the legal challenge was likely to succeed because the president lacks the authority to build the ballroom without approval from Congress.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Deputies noticed possible bullet holes in a parking sign in front of the business suite, which is near a church.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Rory McIlroy faded his tee shot into the pine straw, forcing a dramatic finish for his second consecutive Masters title, a final round that saw the Northern Irish golfer press his luck on the final few holes.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Several European nations, and the European Commission itself, are now talking about suspending the bloc’s economic association agreement with Israel.—
Rachel Marsden,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Major League Baseball suspended Seattle Mariners first baseman Ji-Man Choi 50 games following a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Former President Joe Biden proposed a federal gas tax holiday in 2022 when gas prices were high, but congressional Democrats dismissed the idea.—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
During school holidays, Circus Academy New York hosts single-day camps in flying trapeze, trampoline, and stilt walking.—
The Editors,
Curbed,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The lull follows a ceasefire agreement reached Tuesday, when Washington and Tehran agreed to a two-week pause in hostilities in an effort to end the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which began February 28.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
-
After Dean Smith led the program to three national championships from 1971 to 1993, the school hit a lull in the early 2000s.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That bacteria can then enter a patient’s open cavity, leading to infection.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Many communities have chosen to add fluoride to the tap water for decades, as a public health measure that is estimated to reduce cavities by around 25%.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
