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
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
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
Noun
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
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
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
-
An actress joins a Time Travel Agency that’s all luxury quantum-realm vacations and toxic office drama.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
They were first spotted together attending the after-party for the Masters of The Air premiere in Los Angeles—and have since gone on many Instagram-worthy vacations together.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The calculation does not include pauses or responses directed to the speaker.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
-
Student loan payment pauses get harder The OBBBA also phases out some relief options for student loan borrowers who become unemployed or are dealing with an economic hardship.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Russell Henley birdied the final four holes, including in a sudden death playoff, to win the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge on Sunday at Colonial Country Club.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 May 2026
-
At least one watchdog group warned the legislation could poke more holes into the property tax base for very large developers across the state, not just the Bears.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Today’s newsletter highlights Chase Oliver, Libertarian nominee for governor, suspends his campaign.—
Adam Beam,
AJC.com,
26 May 2026
-
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
Noun
-
There are many, many beautiful corners to tuck yourself into here, which means there’s a pervasive sense of privacy, even when the hotel is packed for the season.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The issue was always about Jokic emerging as the world's best player during a period when open hostility toward White people had become increasingly acceptable in influential corners of media, politics and culture.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Eid al-Adha is the second of two Islamic holidays globally celebrated annually.—
Devon Henderson,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
Eid sacrifice and public attention Before the intervention, the buffalo was expected to be sacrificed during Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s holiest holidays.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
28 May 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 7 Jun. 2026.
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