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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Crafted from breathable European linen, this mini dress is a smart choice for my beach vacations.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
-
Fielding said cruise vacations remain as safe as other types of travel when passengers follow health guidance and stay aware of official updates.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Kahn pauses, momentarily at a loss for words.—
Alex Morris,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2026
-
However, Samsung's workers' union disputed the impact of the strikes, saying in a statement that previous production pauses had occurred for equipment inspection, maintenance and process adjustments.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Alex Smalley at least gets a head start thanks to his sublime play on the back nine at Aronimink Golf Club, with six birdies over his last 10 holes for a 2-under 68 and a two-shot lead.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
-
If your tree is in a lawn, poke 6-inch deep holes around the drip line and pour the fertilizer into them.—
Rachel Silva,
Martha Stewart,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
It’s been such an inspiration to me, to see the way that the writer suspends himself between those two worlds, and how writing becomes his salvation.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
-
Continue reading … STEAL YOUR MONEY — Dr Oz suspends 800 California hospice providers in $1B Medicare fraud crackdown.—
,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Be sure to drop into the sultry Pine Bar—all low lighting and dark corners—which specializes in wonderfully creative cocktails, delivered in whimsical locked boxes by suave waiters in red-velvet smoking jackets.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
The right shrubs can turn low-light areas into the lushest part of your landscape—with layered foliage, dramatic texture, and blooms that brighten even the darkest corners.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
The mall fixture has a secretly amazing sale section, especially during holidays.—
Jordan Julian,
InStyle,
22 May 2026
-
Here’s what some ski resorts throughout Northern California plan to do while temperatures are up through the summer, including some that coincide with the Father’s Day and July 4 holidays.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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 25 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
