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
Adam Beam, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Senators have left town for a two-week recess and are not planning to return until Monday, April 13.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
These slippers are slightly recessed to fit your foot perfectly.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
The Senate is in recess through mid-April.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Senators have left town for a two-week recess and are not planning to return until Monday, April 13.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
This might look like picture lights, recessed coves, or lamps outfitted with shades.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
These slippers are slightly recessed to fit your foot perfectly.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
At Cala Cavone—a jut of rock fringed with crashing waves—self-service loungers, espresso, and snacks are stored in an alcove in the cliff.—
Kristina Kasparian,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The arched alcove in the bedroom and botanical wallpaper in the bathroom are delightful touches.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Disney World just announced five exciting new promotions for summer and into early fall, offering families multiple ways to potentially shave off hundreds of dollars from the total cost of their vacation.—
Carly Neil,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Don't wait for a vacation to treat yourself kindly.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Billy Randolph had shaped them and how his death had altered their lives, responses came after long pauses and were choked with grief.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
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But no pause was announced in the overall military campaign.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Florida overcame a 10-point first-half deficit and dug out of a 12-point hole after intermission on Sunday, but could not close out the Hawkeyes, who will face Nebraska on Thursday in Houston.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
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The burst of activity came as Earth was hit by a complex wave of solar energy, delivering a one-two punch from multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) alongside a fast stream of solar wind from a coronal hole.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Unless Doncic's technical is rescinded, he will be suspended for a game.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The president cannot suspend the federal tax on his own.—
Matthew Daly,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For months when the first day of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, these payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month, like March’s payment.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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The foods for this Jewish holiday lend themselves to energy, creativity and bold flavors.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
No exchanges of fire were reported, marking the first lull since late February, when clashes erupted.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Hofstra just could not overcome an offensive lull in the middle 20 minutes of the game.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Rethinking How Nasal Congestion Is Treated Nasal congestion develops because nasal passage tissues swell due to inflammation, which obstructs breathing and prevents mucus from exiting the sinus cavities.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
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For example, a small cavity that needs a quick filling might cost $200.—
Blake Farmer,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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