recumbent

as in horizontal
formal lying down The Egyptian sphinx has the body of a recumbent lion. a recumbent position

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How does the adjective recumbent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of recumbent are prone, prostrate, and supine. While all these words mean "lying down," recumbent implies the posture of one sleeping or resting.

a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed

When might prone be a better fit than recumbent?

While the synonyms prone and recumbent are close in meaning, prone implies a position with the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface.

push-ups require a prone position

In what contexts can prostrate take the place of recumbent?

The words prostrate and recumbent can be used in similar contexts, but prostrate implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or physical collapse.

a runner fell prostrate at the finish line

Where would supine be a reasonable alternative to recumbent?

The words supine and recumbent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supine implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness.

lying supine on the couch

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 recumbent The equipment isn’t fancy—elliptical machines, recumbent bikes, treadmills—but there’s plenty of it, along with classes, clubs, and tournaments. IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2011 Multiple versions are also available, including recumbent bikes for people with mobility issues and bikes with a seat back for people with low back pain. Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025 Determined to use your recumbent bike for something other than hanging your clothes? Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 For example, recumbent exercise bikes typically range from $130-$150 for the most basic models, while the more high-end models go for more than $500. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recumbent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recumbent
Adjective
  • But when the National Renewable Energy Laboratory assumed responsibility for renewables, turbine design and engineering moved there; horizontal was the design of choice at the lab.
    Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • This innovation creates a more spacious and efficient layout that enables vertical and horizontal flow throughout the yacht.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Premiums have skyrocketed, and coverage has shrunk, especially in wildfire and storm prone regions, exacerbating economic disruption and housing unaffordability.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Machine washable Shower curtain liners are prone to building up with soap scum and mildew if not cleaned regularly.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The potential impact on retirees’ finances comes from stock market returns that could be flat or negative while the cost of their living expenses rises due to inflation.
    Steve Vernon, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • The sale of fragrances is growing, skin care is flat and makeup is decreasing.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recumbent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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