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
Jared Gans, The Hill, 12 Jan. 2026
Park led a presentation Friday morning in the Council Chamber during the City Council’s first session of the new year following a three-week recess.
—City News Service, Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
Both devices also have recessed displays that help to reduce glare.
—PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
The Supreme Court is returning to session with a busy schedule following its holiday recess.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 12 Jan. 2026
Park led a presentation Friday morning in the Council Chamber during the City Council’s first session of the new year following a three-week recess.
—City News Service, Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
Just a day before the auction, internet sleuth Perezcope, published an instagram post suggesting the hard enamel had been recessed, while pointing out discrepancies in the numerals and so on.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
Both devices also have recessed displays that help to reduce glare.
—PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
Upon entry, clients are ushered through a tunnel of golden arches that lead to the main hall, where skin diagnostics are made in three separate alcoves.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
23 Dec. 2025
-
Officials aren’t sharing information about the specifics of the site where the remains were stolen, other than to add that the burial ground was likely a sheltered site, such as an alcove or cave.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model shared a series of vacation moments from the getaway, joined by her younger sister, Sarah Jane Nader, for beach time, dinners out and celebratory moments.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
14 Jan. 2026
-
There may be a method to having the best vacation possible.—
Marina Watts,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The county commissioners will hold a public hearing on the plan for Comanche Circle, and separately consider putting a temporary pause on these types of big developments.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Hawke gives me a Harrison Ford-length pause — not out of nervousness, but genuine thought.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His absence left yet another hole in the quartet featuring him, Ball, Knueppel and Bridges.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Plunging directly in the frigid lake via holes carved in the ice.—
Julia Sayers Gokhale,
Midwest Living,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Metcalf was forced to sit out the last two games for the Steelers when he was suspended after getting into an altercation with a fan during the team's Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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The government’s immigration crackdown is next headed to a federal court where Minnesota and two mayors are asking a judge to immediately suspend the operation.—
Mark Vancleave,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The unofficial holiday was originally inspired by an episode of Parks and Recreation back in 2010.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Wegmans offers competitive pay and benefits packages, premium pay on Sundays and holidays, flexible scheduling and tuition assistance for all employees.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Activity hit a lull after Edwin Díaz was introduced as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new closer 26 days ago.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Hornick, the diner’s owner, said that despite the Logan Square spot struggling for many months — some days having a two-hour lull without a single customer — servers would turn a switch immediately as the door swung open.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Still, fatality rates are rising for some common cancers, including breast, prostate, oral cavity and pancreatic cancers.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Rather than activating the olfactory nerve, the system stimulates the trigeminal nerve, a sensory pathway in the nasal cavity responsible for conveying touch, temperature, and irritation.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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