recess 1 of 2

1
as in alcove
a hollowed-out space in a wall the curator placed the large vase in one of the recesses of the gallery wall

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2
as in vacation
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

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3
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recess

2 of 2

verb

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 recess
Noun
Isaacman had cleared vetting by the Senate Commerce Committee in April, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune had planned to advance the nomination to a floor vote when the Senate returned following the Memorial Day recess. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 Fort Lauderdale officials last year were shamed into imposing a code of conduct on themselves after an F-bomb rant by Commissioner Steve Glassman in a recess at a public meeting. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Verb
The Arkansas House and Senate recessed on April 16. Josh Snyder, Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025 On several occasions in 2023, Gelber temporarily recessed commission meetings as Rosen Gonzalez traded barbs with fellow officials. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
  • Tiffin's roof stands a foot higher and spills over the cab with a small storage alcove to create extra interior space.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 June 2025
  • The path leads to a mid-sized village of 38 rooms set inside a rock alcove.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Per the outlet, the girl's family was on vacation at the time of the attack.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • The Potential Value Of Macro-Blockchain Frameworks The transparency of a blockchain network could allow insurers to experiment more with new coverage types for riskier situations for more trustworthy customers—like taking a thrill-seeking vacation.
    Robert Clark, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • In addition to the hiring freeze, University President Ron Daniels also announced a pause in annual pay increases for employees earning $80,000 or more, a slowing of capital projects by 10% to 20%, and spending cuts for travel, events, food, and supplies.
    Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Where the original version was hypnotic in its restraint, the remix feels like velvet being unraveled—deeper, warmer, and unafraid of the pause.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Despite his success, DeBoer’s tenure in Dallas will now be best remembered for his snap decision to pull starting goaltender Jake Oettinger after the Stars fell into an early 2-0 hole in their elimination game against Edmonton last week.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Three holes were drilled in his skull to reduce the pressure on his brain (those holes were later filled with titanium plugs).
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • His career got off to a promising start but was derailed in 2007 when he was suspended for the entire season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
  • Jefferson has been suspended from his position, and if convicted, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Hot and Hot Fish Club’s Tomato Salad Each year, the arrival of Hot and Hot Fish Club’s famous Tomato Salad is like a mini holiday in Birmingham, Alabama.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • Here's what to know about the Islamic holiday, including when and how it is celebrated.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • As the game moved into the second quarter, the Thunder stayed in control as both teams went through a shooting lull.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • The labor market lull is a rare opportunity to maximize your relationships with the critical partners who can expand and shift along with you.
    Marissa Geist, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The skull, for instance, contained an air cavity near the nose.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 June 2025
  • In the earlier version of its equipment, the resonator cavity had a single post and supported a single frequency.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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