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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
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
Eric McDaniel,
NPR,
11 June 2026
The arrests were made shortly before 5 p.m., and soon after a warning was issued by City Council President Liz Breadon, who had been forced to call multiple recesses that stretched for roughly two hours due to the interruption.
—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 May 2026
The House briefly recessed but returned one hour later to approve the map.
—
Miami Herald,
16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
On Thursday, the House failed in its effort to pass a three-week extension of the program and left Washington for a scheduled recess.
—
Eric McDaniel,
NPR,
11 June 2026
The arrests were made shortly before 5 p.m., and soon after a warning was issued by City Council President Liz Breadon, who had been forced to call multiple recesses that stretched for roughly two hours due to the interruption.
—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
Verb
The trial was recessed Wednesday and is likely to be dismissed as soon as Thursday.
—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 May 2026
The House briefly recessed but returned one hour later to approve the map.
—
Miami Herald,
16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
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This space houses a stone alcove bed, additional sleeping space, a generous kitchen, and a beautiful bathroom of stone and cocciopesto.
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Other highlights include a sunken living room centered around a fireplace, with a bay-windowed alcove that accommodates a grand piano beneath a vintage Murano milk-glass calla lily chandelier.
Noun
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Designed with a plunging neckline, modest bum coverage, and compressive fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, the elegant silhouette offers rich-girl vacation energy that could easily double as a bodysuit with shorts.
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Travelers, beware jet skis in the Bahamas Travelers are being warned to be wary of jet ski excursions in the Bahamas, a popular cruise and vacation destination for Americans.
Noun
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That pause is the whole story for anyone who holds an insurance policy, because some of the rules in the firing line decide how the algorithms that price your cover are allowed to behave.
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If someone urges you to splurge, smile, breathe, and pause.
Noun
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The crash also resulted in a large hole in the side of the vessel.
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The piece has seven holes for customization, and it’s designed to be worn at the hips or waist.
Verb
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One change was involuntary after captain César Montes earned a red card and was suspended for tonight's game.
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Kemp said the union was told that the carriage owner has suspended the driver indefinitely and plans to retire the horse involved in the accident.
Noun
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As a federal holiday, mail is not delivered on this date and some businesses may be closed.
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But, coming at the end of an album that’s otherwise governed by an egalitarian teamwork-makes-the-dream-work ethos, the moment feels a bit like letting the boss take the last-call karaoke number as the office holiday party winds down—an indulgence well earned.
Noun
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But by Sunday morning, residents in southern Lebanon reported a lull in Israeli strikes.
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Intense fighting broke out on Friday morning after a relative lull in fighting following the announcement of the MOU.
Noun
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The extra saliva helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can contribute to cavities, making gum a useful addition to your travel routine.
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Rather than a small drawer or tray, the divided top of West Elm’s storage coffee table rotates to reveal an empty storage cavity to fill with throw blankets, books, or video game controllers.
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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