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
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
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
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
Noun
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
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
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
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
-
Daily gratuities, drink-package service charges, specialty dining fees and other automatic add-ons have become a flashpoint for travelers who say cruise vacations are being advertised one way, yet priced another.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
Anrabess Flowy Tiered Maxi Dress Ideal for beach vacations and city trips alike, style this with white sneakers, espadrilles, or sandals to create vacation looks for any occasion.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
New Citadel employees learn not to fill in those pauses.—
Gary Sernovitz,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
-
Speakers left pauses for imaginary conversational partners to respond, as if observing real turn-taking conventions.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
That can leave known security holes sitting open.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
As the underground limestone dissolves, cracks and holes are created, which eventually cause the ground above to collapse.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Leaders in Europe have called on the US to reconsider a directive on AI that suspends certain models for foreign nationals.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
-
Higher sales taxes To give lawmakers the authority to implement new taxes, the constitutional amendment suspends constitutional protections known as the Hancock Amendment, which requires voter approval for significant tax increases.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
This is especially important near rushing water, around blind corners and in dense vegetation where sound and visibility are limited.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
-
Up in the stands, fans waved their own flags — including some sneaked in over the objections of FIFA and the courts — and wrestled with emotions, as boos, howls and hisses rained down from all corners of the stadium.—
Rick Maese,
Washington Post,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
This Father's Day, like most holidays since his sons recovered, Kim Humphrey's family will be together.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
-
They were simply removed from the list of fee-free holidays at national parks.—
Tesfaye Negussie,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Yes, there were lulls, to be sure.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
-
The quality, however, doesn’t make for a pleasant viewing experience, especially during lulls in the season like the one the Dodgers are currently battling through.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recesses. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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