1
as in alcoves
a hollowed-out space in a wall
the curator placed the large vase in one of the recesses of the gallery wall
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in vacations
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 pauses
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 holes
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 suspends
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 recesses
Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In the recesses of the stadium, a doctor examined the right ankle of Bo Nix, the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
The multiple polygonal recesses and panels and sharp creases throughout the lower half of the front-end are an uninvited reminder about how eager Toyota's design team seems to throw itself into absolute overwrought styling territory.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
In Wisconsin's remote Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Lake Superior crashes into rocky recesses, exploding against the walls and leaving frozen fingers.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
Their debut album, Bergtatt (1995), released when singer Kristoffer Garm Rygg was 18, inspired a whole universe of nature-drunk folk metal; meanwhile, Nattens Madrigal (1997) is a prime example of the most scabrous and distortion-encrusted recesses of black metal.
—Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026
Wipe off the ketchup, then use a soft toothbrush if needed to gently scrub any recesses or crevices that need further cleaning.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025
At the Capitol, the Senate and House have started their Thanksgiving recesses.
—The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
Making a drama that looks into the dark recesses of this place—and having people from all sides champion it—felt impossible.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025
Noun
Why are CEOs worrying so much about what recently were science projects within the deep recesses of their organizations?
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In the recesses of the stadium, a doctor examined the right ankle of Bo Nix, the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
The multiple polygonal recesses and panels and sharp creases throughout the lower half of the front-end are an uninvited reminder about how eager Toyota's design team seems to throw itself into absolute overwrought styling territory.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
In Wisconsin's remote Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Lake Superior crashes into rocky recesses, exploding against the walls and leaving frozen fingers.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
Their debut album, Bergtatt (1995), released when singer Kristoffer Garm Rygg was 18, inspired a whole universe of nature-drunk folk metal; meanwhile, Nattens Madrigal (1997) is a prime example of the most scabrous and distortion-encrusted recesses of black metal.
—Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026
Wipe off the ketchup, then use a soft toothbrush if needed to gently scrub any recesses or crevices that need further cleaning.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025
At the Capitol, the Senate and House have started their Thanksgiving recesses.
—The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
Making a drama that looks into the dark recesses of this place—and having people from all sides champion it—felt impossible.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recesses
Noun
-
Guests crunch through colorful seasonal salads, sip from an expansive wine list and dig into chef Alan Sternberg's inventive pasta dishes at snugly cloistered tables in wood and brick alcoves lined with paintings, books and even a handful of typewriters.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
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Elsewhere, the children’s bunkroom pairs two built-in bunks with two captain’s beds tucked in their own alcoves.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Skip-gen vacations Skip-gen travel is an emerging trend where grandparents and grandkids vacation together while skipping the generation in between.—
Kathy Boardman,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The emails show an account called HKH Kronprinsessen communicating with Epstein to plan vacations and a visit to Palm Beach, and to discuss health concerns.—
Erin Vanderhoof,
Vanity Fair,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Funding was eventually restored after a series of lawsuits that challenged payment pauses, eligibility requirements and requests from the federal government for sensitive citizen data.—
Dale Denwalt,
Oklahoman,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The president works in the first lady’s suggestion, and pauses, turns and points to her after delivering the line during his speech.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At the city’s public latrines, 36 holes upon which people took their comfort breaks line the walls above a drainage system.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
A bit set is also an important addition to your home workshop—look for one with Phillips, square, and star bits to accommodate different types of screws, along with a few drill bits to create pilot holes.—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This mission hits a wall when the local gaming authority suspends all Hong Kong player accounts just weeks before a key tournament selection stage.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The proclamation also suspends normal state purchasing requirements, giving the state the ability to purchase any resources or supplies needed due to the storm.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Her waterline was filled with black liner, which melted into the corners of her eyes.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In fact, one shopper even credits it with improving sagging corners around the mouth and forehead creasing.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The council opted to charge parking meter fees on Sundays and holidays starting in July 2024 and approved additional raises to on-street meter rates, which took effect July 1, 2025.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Every squad is going to go through lulls in the conference schedule, other than perhaps UCLA.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The offense suffered some lulls in his absence, but second-year wide receiver Ryan Flournoy was able to pick up the production vacated by Lamb in the second half by finishing with 115 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recesses. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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