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
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
Then a casual dig through an estate sale bin morphs into obsession, resulting in making bids at auctions, combing through the recesses of eBay or imploring friends in politics to snag you a piece.
—
A.d. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
But the back half is a heady object lesson in the limits of partnership—how even the right person can’t fully quell whatever torment lurks in the recesses of one’s consciousness.
—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Summer is the ideal season to venture into the deep recesses of the Canadian wilderness, thanks to mild temperatures that allow travelers access to regions that could otherwise be inaccessible due to snow.
—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
Tensions mounted as the meeting went on, with council members calling multiple recesses and eventually clearing the chambers after shouting matches broke out.
—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
Their findings could also be connected to mysterious islands from the recesses of history that witnesses said appeared suddenly, only to disappear later beneath the waves.
—
Quanta Magazine,
26 May 2026
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
Noun
The horror is set up but the execution takes place in the dark recesses of the audience’s minds.
—
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
Then a casual dig through an estate sale bin morphs into obsession, resulting in making bids at auctions, combing through the recesses of eBay or imploring friends in politics to snag you a piece.
—
A.d. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
But the back half is a heady object lesson in the limits of partnership—how even the right person can’t fully quell whatever torment lurks in the recesses of one’s consciousness.
—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Summer is the ideal season to venture into the deep recesses of the Canadian wilderness, thanks to mild temperatures that allow travelers access to regions that could otherwise be inaccessible due to snow.
—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
Tensions mounted as the meeting went on, with council members calling multiple recesses and eventually clearing the chambers after shouting matches broke out.
—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
Their findings could also be connected to mysterious islands from the recesses of history that witnesses said appeared suddenly, only to disappear later beneath the waves.
—
Quanta Magazine,
26 May 2026
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
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.
-
The food court was completely shuttered, and the Coca-Cola vending machines had been yanked from their alcoves.
Noun
-
The white floral print channels the actress’s effortless aesthetic, and the easy-to-style design can be paired with tank tops, T-shirts, or even worn as a strapless swimsuit cover-up for beach days and vacations.
-
Whether investing in therapy, hiring personal trainers, taking solo vacations, pursuing preventative healthcare, or exploring cosmetic treatments, many are redefining what self-care actually means.
Noun
-
The itinerary also builds in natural pauses, from ferries and viewpoints to kayaking, biking, hiking and fjord activities.
-
His health problems resembled a fall down a long flight of stairs, with pauses at several landings.
Noun
-
The Chileans drilled holes allowing workers to insert a camera and pinpoint his location.
-
Plus, Hannah Vanbiber uncovers why World Cup players are cutting holes in their socks.
Verb
-
Continue reading … ‘CHEAP SHOTS’ — WNBA suspends Alyssa Thomas for 'recklessly' hitting Caitlin Clark in throat.
-
Yet each summer, the region suspends its hatred for the stubborn weed, celebrating the plant’s sweet abundance through blackberry festivals and preparing enough jars of blackberry jam to hold them over until the next year’s harvest.
Noun
-
Inside at Revel Lounge, half the après crowd sips cocktails in robes and slippers while the other half have logged back on with work and are huddled away in the bar’s many discreet nooks and corners.
-
Once inside a world, the missionaries split up and seek out small groups chatting in quieter corners.
Noun
-
Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.
-
That’s why there are trash days, which are holidays where the city doesn’t collect trash and recycling, and pickup is usually delayed by one day for the rest of the week.
Noun
-
Atmospheric warming is diminishing wildfires’ nighttime lulls.
-
Yes, there were lulls, to be sure.
Cite this Entry
“Recesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recesses. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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