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
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
The new bill would also prohibit the use of electronic devices during recesses.
—Courtney Cole, CBS News, 1 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
At the request of the art-loving owner, numerous areas have been designed as private galleries with special shelves for sculptures and recesses in the walls for paintings.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
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
The new bill would also prohibit the use of electronic devices during recesses.
—Courtney Cole, CBS News, 1 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
At the request of the art-loving owner, numerous areas have been designed as private galleries with special shelves for sculptures and recesses in the walls for paintings.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recesses
Noun
-
The boards illustrate the two-story building with details such as white walls and a clay roof, alcoves and residential balconies facing the street.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The alcoves on the rotunda's first level long held Iowa units' battle flags, including the 2nd Infantry's scarred banner.—
Bill Steiden,
Des Moines Register,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But a financial audit revealed that Alfortish had been skimming money, some of which had been earmarked for hurricane relief, to pay for vacations to Aruba and to Grand Cayman, and for a new sound system at his home.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The 100 percent cotton frock is on sale for only $16, and is perfect for beach days, vacations, and everything in-between.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To travel just one meter, these fish require an average of 30 to 60 seconds of movement, along with eight to nine short pauses and nine one-hour rests on horizontal ledges along their route, according to Phys.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The months of rehab, setbacks and pauses took their toll on the living legend.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Young birdied eight holes to go along with a bogey on the par-5 15th after going water.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Select the Right Pot Oversized pots increase the risk of overwatering, so select a pot or planter that’s just 1 to 2 inches larger than your existing pot and make sure the pot has drainage holes in the base.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Once the Board of Bar Overseers permanently suspends Rappa's license, Dobens says his clients can start the process of getting the money reimbursed.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Riverside County sheriff suspends election fraud probe Chad Bianco has paused his controversial investigation into election fraud claims after seizing more than 650,000 ballots from November’s Proposition 50 election.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As far back as preseason testing, some teams questioned the maximum recharge of 250 kilowatts achieved through super clipping, given that the battery can harvest up to 350kW and this cap is achieved when drivers lift-and-coast into corners.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Most corners his size are expected to not be as agile or nimble as the smaller, more prototypical corners.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, space phenomena, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The permit application would require each business to submit a security and maintenance plan with details on alcohol safety training and security coverage for all hours of operation, including special events and holidays.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Referring to the decline in permits approved, ECMC Director Julie Murphy said there were lulls as everyone adjusted course.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Acting in a movie involves a lot of waiting around, too—as the crew repositions cameras and adjusts the lighting, among other things—and those lulls provided me with plenty of time to feel queasy with anxiety.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recesses. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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