1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in pause
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 hole
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 to suspend
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 recess
Elex Michaelson, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
And the Senate doesn't return from a two-week recess until April 13.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Aldo Toledo, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Feb. 2026
This might look like picture lights, recessed coves, or lamps outfitted with shades.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
Photos of other lawmakers — either in their home districts or on vacation during the two-week spring break recess — followed.
—Elex Michaelson, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
And the Senate doesn't return from a two-week recess until April 13.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
Other matters not under deadline pressure will be recessed.
—Aldo Toledo, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Feb. 2026
This might look like picture lights, recessed coves, or lamps outfitted with shades.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling dandelions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
All the way up front in the alcove, Kimbo takes advantage of the 8's larger footprint to install a proper 60 x 80-in (150 x 203-cm) queen-size mattress.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
After notifying police, Marsha had driven home from her vacation.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
If vacation plans call, take time to research responsibly, then choose the route that matches your travel style.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After a pause earlier this month to make way for the WGA talks, negotiation are set to pick up with the Sean Astin-run SAG-AFTRA in June, if not sooner.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Instead of plowing ahead with the current design, perhaps a pause is warranted.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Just two weeks ago, Gary Woodland decided ot shared his struggles with post traumatic stress disorder, brought on after a September 2023 surgery, which involved a baseball-sized hole cut from the side of his head, to remove a brain lesion.—
Andrew McCarty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Canales admits the loss of Robinson leaves a hole in the defensive line rotation.—
Mike Kaye
March 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Life has ground to a halt, with classes suspended at many schools, workers furloughed to save energy, and flights from some places canceled because Cuba doesn’t have enough jet fuel for long-haul flights.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Later in the day, a live video feed from a camera mounted on one of Orion's solar wings showed the moon dead ahead, a tiny gray marble suspended in blackness.—
William Harwood,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their annual festive holiday gift exchange spirals into a cutthroat game of Christmas carnage.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Americans in general, however, seem to love the Easter holiday.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even with the recent lull in ticket sales from Chinese releases, studios aren’t deterred from launching titles in the region.—
Sarah Whitten,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2026
-
After staring down 30, experiencing a career lull, and contemplating quitting music altogether, the singer staked her future in the industry on the fate of her fourth record.—
Harry Tafoya,
Pitchfork,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The researchers used a 5 × 5 array of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, or VCSELs, each capable of sending its own signal.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Typically cavities are found in mature trees, so having a dead tree or small pile of dead branches will actually increase your chances of Eastern bluebirds visiting your garden.—
Abby Fribush,
Southern Living,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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