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
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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
Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Often today, it is then nurtured in the dark recesses of the internet, where children and teenagers can find peers angry at the world and ready to lash out.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026
With millions of people along its coastline and countless vessels crossing its waters, the Mediterranean receives an enormous and constant flow of waste — much of which eventually settles into its deepest recesses.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Doctrines and designs which a few years since could find no mouthpiece out of a bar-room, or the piratical den of a filibuster, are now clothed with power by the authentic response of the bench of our highest judicatory, and obsequiously iterated from the oracular recesses of the National Palace.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
At the request of the art-loving owner, numerous areas have been designed as private galleries with special shelves for sculptures and recesses in the walls for paintings.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
Why are CEOs worrying so much about what recently were science projects within the deep recesses of their organizations?
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In the recesses of the stadium, a doctor examined the right ankle of Bo Nix, the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
The multiple polygonal recesses and panels and sharp creases throughout the lower half of the front-end are an uninvited reminder about how eager Toyota's design team seems to throw itself into absolute overwrought styling territory.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
On their first night in Guangzhou, while Joost was in the private shower attached to their room, Martha pulled her money pouch from the recesses of her pack and counted her traveller’s checks.
—Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Often today, it is then nurtured in the dark recesses of the internet, where children and teenagers can find peers angry at the world and ready to lash out.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026
With millions of people along its coastline and countless vessels crossing its waters, the Mediterranean receives an enormous and constant flow of waste — much of which eventually settles into its deepest recesses.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Doctrines and designs which a few years since could find no mouthpiece out of a bar-room, or the piratical den of a filibuster, are now clothed with power by the authentic response of the bench of our highest judicatory, and obsequiously iterated from the oracular recesses of the National Palace.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
At the request of the art-loving owner, numerous areas have been designed as private galleries with special shelves for sculptures and recesses in the walls for paintings.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
Why are CEOs worrying so much about what recently were science projects within the deep recesses of their organizations?
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In the recesses of the stadium, a doctor examined the right ankle of Bo Nix, the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
The multiple polygonal recesses and panels and sharp creases throughout the lower half of the front-end are an uninvited reminder about how eager Toyota's design team seems to throw itself into absolute overwrought styling territory.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recesses
Noun
-
The alcoves on the rotunda's first level long held Iowa units' battle flags, including the 2nd Infantry's scarred banner.—
Bill Steiden,
Des Moines Register,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Guests crunch through colorful seasonal salads, sip from an expansive wine list and dig into chef Alan Sternberg's inventive pasta dishes at snugly cloistered tables in wood and brick alcoves lined with paintings, books and even a handful of typewriters.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Universal Pictures released the sequel globally on Wednesday, capitalizing on kids’ spring break vacations in the week leading up to the Easter holiday.—
Lindsey Bahr,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The lodge evokes the spirit of yesteryear while offering all-inclusive dude ranch vacations that include horseback riding, water sports, and homemade meals.—
Julie Bielenberg,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Places such as Anstruther and Crail provide natural pauses, with the former offering one of Scotland’s most beautiful tidal pools, offering everything from fresh seafood to small galleries and historic streets to explore.—
Rosie Conroy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Still in effect are various other pauses on legal migration – including a pause on the issuing of immigrant visas for 75 countries, and a pause on all immigration applications from countries covered by the travel ban.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Nelly Korda birdied her final two holes to shoot a 69 to move to 5 under and in second place, setting up a final pairing of friendly rivals.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
These small black beetles chew holes in leaves and stunt the plants.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Riverside County sheriff suspends election fraud probe Chad Bianco has paused his controversial investigation into election fraud claims after seizing more than 650,000 ballots from November’s Proposition 50 election.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
-
February 22 The Department of Homeland Security initially suspends both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck but reverses course on the TSA PreCheck suspension hours later.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With runners on the corners and two outs, Bichette lined a single to right, and Carson Benge scored easily.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In its final form, though, the change — 8 to 10 feet closer in the corners with the gaps tapering toward a still 410-foot centerfield — certainly doesn’t appear overwhelming.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, space phenomena, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The chain regularly closes for major holidays, including New Years, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Referring to the decline in permits approved, ECMC Director Julie Murphy said there were lulls as everyone adjusted course.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Acting in a movie involves a lot of waiting around, too—as the crew repositions cameras and adjusts the lighting, among other things—and those lulls provided me with plenty of time to feel queasy with anxiety.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recesses. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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