recumbent

Definition of recumbentnext
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 Generally, recumbent bikes offer a more relaxed posture and allow the user to perform a less strenuous cardio workout. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025 Her sessions include riding the recumbent bike, which is reclined to support the lower back, for two 30-minute stints, reaching about three miles both times. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Wayward wastes absolutely no time getting started with an episode that features a midnight kidnapping, a murder, and Toni Collette riding a recumbent bike like some modern-day Wicked Witch. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 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, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recumbent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recumbent
Adjective
  • When the main stem begins to branch each new vine is attached to the lowest horizontal support, separated, and placed to balance growth evenly.
    Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Cinematographer Ben Goodman straddles the line between both with sharp lensing that places particular emphasis on overhead shots, underlining Caplan’s horizontal helplessness.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The formula features colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and algae hydrogel—a potent trio for those prone to dryness, irritation, or environmental stressors.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Between 2021 and 2023 in Florida, nine property insurance companies went insolvent, leaving their customers suddenly without protection in the most hurricane-prone state in the country.
    Scott Pham, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Pitchers throw every day in season between competition days, bullpens, flat ground sessions and box drills off of an incline from 35 feet out.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The 912 filled that gap below the new halo car starting in 1965, sticking the old 356’s flat-four motor into the new model’s body.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recumbent. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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