Synonyms of recumbent

recumbent

adjective

as in horizontal

formal lying down

The Egyptian sphinx has the body of a recumbent lion.

a recumbent position

Synonyms & Similar Words

• horizontal
• prone
• flat
• reclining
• prostrate
• reposing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• vertical
• erect
• upright
• standing
• raised
• supine
• upstanding

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of recumbent

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

For a more relaxed ride: If a recumbent bike is more your style, consider the Home Fitness Award-winning Merach S19. —Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025

However, people prone to falls should avoid outdoor cycling and may need a recumbent bike instead of an upright one.11 A recumbent bike has a seat low to the ground and the rider in a reclined position, with pedals closer to the front of the bike. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2025

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