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
Relevance
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
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
Loud protests and boos ultimately led to two recesses, and the vote culminating virtually.
—Dan Snyder, CBS News, 1 May 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
There are hints tossed out to suggest his characters’ inner recesses.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
The windows, which feature energy-efficient tinted glass, sit within deep recesses that help shade the sun while giving the overall building a reassuring sense of solidity.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Often today, it is then nurtured in the dark recesses of the internet, where children and teenagers can find peers angry at the world and ready to lash out.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026
With millions of people along its coastline and countless vessels crossing its waters, the Mediterranean receives an enormous and constant flow of waste — much of which eventually settles into its deepest recesses.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Doctrines and designs which a few years since could find no mouthpiece out of a bar-room, or the piratical den of a filibuster, are now clothed with power by the authentic response of the bench of our highest judicatory, and obsequiously iterated from the oracular recesses of the National Palace.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Noun
Light intensity varies significantly from deep shade in the recesses to brighter conditions along the exterior.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
Loud protests and boos ultimately led to two recesses, and the vote culminating virtually.
—Dan Snyder, CBS News, 1 May 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
There are hints tossed out to suggest his characters’ inner recesses.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
The windows, which feature energy-efficient tinted glass, sit within deep recesses that help shade the sun while giving the overall building a reassuring sense of solidity.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Often today, it is then nurtured in the dark recesses of the internet, where children and teenagers can find peers angry at the world and ready to lash out.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026
With millions of people along its coastline and countless vessels crossing its waters, the Mediterranean receives an enormous and constant flow of waste — much of which eventually settles into its deepest recesses.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Doctrines and designs which a few years since could find no mouthpiece out of a bar-room, or the piratical den of a filibuster, are now clothed with power by the authentic response of the bench of our highest judicatory, and obsequiously iterated from the oracular recesses of the National Palace.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recesses
Noun
-
By that time Dame Frances had established the idea of theaters of memory—imaginary architectural structures, replete with columns and alcoves and windows, where items can be placed for later recollection.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
The food court was completely shuttered, and the Coca-Cola vending machines had been yanked from their alcoves.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Alba's life after her divorce from Warren includes family getaways with their three children and vacations with Ramirez.—
Sarah Sotoodeh,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
-
Ever since, the teeny pup, who turns 13 in July 2026, has been seen everywhere from radio station appearances to Caribbean vacations with her dad.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
There are also sections called a Cup of Tea with Meg, conversational pauses that feel like sitting across from someone who is not trying to sell you anything.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
More often than not, the request gets the big kids’ attention, and chaos ceases (pauses) as the three of them roll around singing while Marc and I stand in the doorway kvelling.—
Risa Polansky Shiman,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
That alone changes the math — his cardio dropoff against Strickland was directly tied to the weight cut, and removing that variable fixes one of the only real holes in his game.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
Bullet holes could be seen in the back door of one of the homes.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The stay from the Supreme Court suspends that decision, at least temporarily.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
Spirit suspends service in Kansas City On Saturday, MCI staff began to tear down signage at the airport terminals that formerly housed Spirit flights.—
Kendrick Calfee
May 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Opt for Structure Versus Slouchy When used as accent seating in adult spaces like living rooms, reading corners, bedrooms, and libraries, Button recommends sticking with beanbags with some structure and squarer shapes to avoid an overly undone look.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2026
-
Jamaica has exported music, fashion, and food to the farthest corners of the planet.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Red Square is where Russia holds its traditional military parade to celebrate Victory Day, one of the biggest holidays of the year.—
Darlene Superville,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Operating Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Labor Day, the Westracks shuttle will run from the termination of RTD’s light rail W Line at the Jefferson County Government Center.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
But against Oklahoma City, the Lakers’ lulls became an invitation for the Thunder to strike.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
-
Not all parts of the country seem to have the same pattern, although the data points to school breaks as relative lulls.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recesses. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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