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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of recess
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 May 2025
Democratic lawmakers spent the spring recess trying to stoke public opposition to GOP aims, including during town hall events held in Republican congressional districts.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2025
Joelle Diderich, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
After the comment was made during a committee meeting, it was temporarily recessed and neither alderman returned.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
The increase may have been due to spring recess in New York public schools, according to Sam Tombs, chief U.S. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 May 2025
Democratic lawmakers spent the spring recess trying to stoke public opposition to GOP aims, including during town hall events held in Republican congressional districts.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
Designed in 1963, it is made from 10 layers of two varieties of wood, one light and one dark, and recessed in the center to form concentric circles.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
After the comment was made during a committee meeting, it was temporarily recessed and neither alderman returned.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
There, the sleeping area is accompanied by a small sitting area near a fireplace, plus an alcove for snuggling up with a good book, and even a private deck for enjoying the surrounding greenery.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
9 May 2025
-
Hickman Bridge Zion Located in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion, Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles round-trip) ends at an awe-inducing rock alcove with two arches.—
Maya Silver,
Outside Online,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Starting with their first meeting in 2016, the post includes a selfie taken in London and snapshots from their early private vacations to Botswana and Norway.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
19 May 2025
-
Unlike a shorter cruise, when people are just focused on making the most of their vacation, the Grand Voyage guests are seeking more of a community.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Then, the White House announced that the U.S. and China have agreed to a 90 day pause in their trade war.—
David Hebert,
National Review,
16 May 2025
-
However, since then, Donald Trump has initiated a 90-day pause in the U.S.-China tariff conflict, reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China has lowered its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports from 125% to 10% .—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
The pots are thoughtfully designed with a drainage hole to avoid overwatering, enhance proper airflow, and keep your plants healthy.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
13 May 2025
-
Private contractors under the supervision of St. Paul Public Works will spend up to two months repairing the man-sized sink hole that opened on the evening of May 8, forcing ongoing partial road closures between Chestnut and Walnut streets.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Trump in January suspended the decades-old refugee program.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
-
The order also suspended refugee admissions for four months and indefinitely halted refugees from Syria.—
Elise Hammond,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
Parking passes for holidays and weekends may be purchased up to 14 days prior to arrival, or up until 3 p.m. on the day of arrival, if capacity is not reached, officials said.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2025
-
Following her birth, Taylor continued sharing photos of Indy, including various milestones, holidays and sweet images of her and Indy wearing matching outfits, such as twinning Easter dresses or Christmas pajamas.—
Katie Mannion,
People.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Yeboah hasn’t scored since March, a lull of seven matches that also came with an ankle injury.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
16 May 2025
-
There may be a lull in storms in the afternoon, but there is also a chance that once the first round dissipates, another batch of severe weather forms on the eastern fringes of the area.—
Miceala Morano,
Arkansas Online,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Fluoride is a mineral that has been added to drinking water for generations to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Stephany Matat,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
-
It is added to some dental products, such as toothpaste, to help prevent cavities.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share