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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
Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Fort Lauderdale officials last year were shamed into imposing a code of conduct on themselves after an F-bomb rant by Commissioner Steve Glassman in a recess at a public meeting.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Nicholas J. R. White Kat Hill, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Located at 25 West Hills Drive, a quiet cul-de-sac in Avon, this colonial has undeniable curb appeal enhanced by a central front door that is recessed for protection from the weather and defined by pilasters on either side.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
Isaacman had cleared vetting by the Senate Commerce Committee in April, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune had planned to advance the nomination to a floor vote when the Senate returned following the Memorial Day recess.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Fort Lauderdale officials last year were shamed into imposing a code of conduct on themselves after an F-bomb rant by Commissioner Steve Glassman in a recess at a public meeting.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Verb
Porch lights are recessed into doorways and point down; the pier has LED lights, also pointing downward, that provide just enough illumination for marine safety; a shop’s outdoor motion-sensor lights come on only for a few minutes when needed.
—Nicholas J. R. White Kat Hill, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Located at 25 West Hills Drive, a quiet cul-de-sac in Avon, this colonial has undeniable curb appeal enhanced by a central front door that is recessed for protection from the weather and defined by pilasters on either side.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
Past that is the kitchen (in the alcove on the left) and the dining area (right, up the steps) where Snitow sat with feminist friends around a long table.—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
22 May 2025
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My favorite, Taylor Creek, weaves through a narrow box canyon and crisscrosses its namesake creek before reaching the eye-popping turnaround point: a double-arch alcove.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2025
Noun
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Compared to other vacations, cruises are relatively long and expensive and involve many more moving parts — from getting to the departure point to your stay onboard to visiting multiple ports of call (often in foreign countries).—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
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For many of us, summer vacation is an excuse to sleep in and enjoy the relaxed schedule that so often accompanies time away from school or work.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
In addition to the hiring freeze, University President Ron Daniels also announced a pause in annual pay increases for employees earning $80,000 or more, a slowing of capital projects by 10% to 20%, and spending cuts for travel, events, food, and supplies.—
Paul Weinstein Jr,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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That can mean pressing pause on hiring, cutting workers' hours and even laying off staff, business owners say.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Despite his success, DeBoer’s tenure in Dallas will now be best remembered for his snap decision to pull starting goaltender Jake Oettinger after the Stars fell into an early 2-0 hole in their elimination game against Edmonton last week.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Three holes were drilled in his skull to reduce the pressure on his brain (those holes were later filled with titanium plugs).—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Verb
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His career got off to a promising start but was derailed in 2007 when he was suspended for the entire season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
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Jefferson has been suspended from his position, and if convicted, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
Noun
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Hot and Hot Fish Club’s Tomato Salad Each year, the arrival of Hot and Hot Fish Club’s famous Tomato Salad is like a mini holiday in Birmingham, Alabama.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
-
For example, overtime provisions, discipline procedure, grievance-arbitration procedure, and holidays.—
Emma Marsden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 June 2025
Noun
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As the game moved into the second quarter, the Thunder stayed in control as both teams went through a shooting lull.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
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The labor market lull is a rare opportunity to maximize your relationships with the critical partners who can expand and shift along with you.—
Marissa Geist,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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For small cavities, your dentist may recommend using fluoride or other products.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2025
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Some studies suggest that launching from tree cavities or branches at specific angles further optimizes its glide performance.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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