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
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
Others were found in the deep recesses of archives and storage vaults.
—Nancy Kruh, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Tammy Lagorce, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
The committee was expected to vote on the legislation Monday evening but recessed without holding a vote.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
The Trump administration plans to present Congress with cuts to most funding for public media late this month, according to news reports, setting the stage for a showdown when lawmakers return from a recess on April 28.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
Others were found in the deep recesses of archives and storage vaults.
—Nancy Kruh, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
On This Day When Jan. 18, 2025 Where Via Tortona 27, Milan
A Real Treat After the couple recessed down the runway, assistants wheeled in a seven-tier wedding cake.
—Tammy Lagorce, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
The committee was expected to vote on the legislation Monday evening but recessed without holding a vote.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
The pot, found in an alcove used as a shelf, was mostly intact with two opposing handles but appeared to be missing its neck and parts of the rim, according to the release.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Incorporating antique finds, greenery, and utilizing your home's quirky features, like alcoves and nooks, are just a few of the ways your home is set apart from the rest on the block.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Frequent fliers and summer vacation hopefuls have been rushing to get one squared away before the nationwide travel mandate goes into effect.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2025
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With just about two more months of school left, families are in the midst of planning for childcare, summer camps, and vacations.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This marks the end of a yearslong pause that began at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Listen to this article The Adams administration’s move to put federal immigration authorities on Rikers Island is on pause, with a judge ruling Monday that the administration can’t take any steps towards a formal agreement until a court hearing later this week.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Patching a drywall hole is a quick, affordable DIY task that anyone can do.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2025
-
For nearly three years the school shunned NIL and refused to adjust the admissions process for potential transfers, digging itself a sizable hole.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Many schools also suspended classes for the day in protest.—
Fayaz Bukhari,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
In response, the Department of Education temporarily suspended IDR processing, which then resumed again a few months later.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Everybody comes to New York as the number one place in the world for business, holidays, and shopping.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
To be sure, JPMorgan noted that some of the growth in spending may have also been tied to the Easter holiday, which fell almost three weeks later in 2025 than in 2024.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There may be long lulls between meteors, so try to be patient between visible bursts of activity.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Harris Beach State Park, Oregon Beaches in the Pacific Northwest are less about idyllic lulls in the sand and instead emphasize the dramatic landscapes that make the region so well-loved by nature enthusiasts.—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, public health authorities, including the American Dental Association, support fluoride being put in drinking water to prevent cavities.—
Neal Earley,
Arkansas Online,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Now, new research has found another potential health risk linked to these sugary drinks—oral cavity cancer.—
Brian Mastroianni,
Health,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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