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
Kristina Rex, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Not ready to take on a full renovation to add arched doorways or recesses to your home?
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 15 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
According to a police report, a female student was playing on the playground during morning recess when a light-skinned man with hazel eyes in a ski mask spoke to her from a gray, scratched-up minivan.
—Kristina Rex, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Not ready to take on a full renovation to add arched doorways or recesses to your home?
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 15 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
-
In a converted 1909 Cow Hollow house near the marina and the Presidio, this home has a private entry and garden, and features a large picture window, a brick- ringed fireplace surrounded by built-ins, and a pass-through alcove kitchen with a Sub-Zero refrigerator.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Intentionally, there is no permanent Tunnel Projects sign anywhere in the complex, though a small map on a signpost is set out inconspicuously at a side entrance, and a paper guide is taped to the wall next to the ground-floor elevator, which is hidden in an alcove.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Faced with a choice between keeping its existing three-night-stay minimum or obtaining state permission for a cap on the total number of vacation rentals allowed in Encinitas, a majority of the City Council opted to stick with the current night-stay requirement.—
Barbara Henry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Scott will be 25 years old as a rookie, which gives the pairing some pause, but the Bills are currently without a backup nickel at this point.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
And while the country experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes, west-facing coast, and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Carolina Panthers didn’t have many holes to fill after a successful free agency, but there were a couple.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
So, nine holes into his pro-am practice round on Thursday, hours before the real competition started, Retief Goosen changed his grip.—
Stan Awtrey,
AJC.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The executive order also suspended the ability of migrants to ask for asylum.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Traffic on the southbound side of the bridge was suspended for several hours as cops investigated the crash.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There are also holiday festivities, sports competitions, and myriad island and ocean adventures.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Families Safe, secure, and private with attentive staff, this is the perfect family holiday playground.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But this lull in anti-vaccine rhetoric and action should not be mistaken for a durable pivot in federal vaccine policy.—
Will Walters,
STAT,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Yet, instead of taking advantage of this lull to prepare for the future by upgrading transmission lines and incorporating smart grid technologies en masse, policymakers procrastinated.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That bacteria can then enter a patient’s open cavity, leading to infection.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Install Multiple Houses Different species of native bees use nesting cavities of different sizes.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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