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
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
PCMAG, 27 Jan. 2025
The petition also references a recess taken by the board members in the middle of the voting process.
—Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2025
Tia Goldenburg, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024
Congress is scheduled to recess for the holidays on Dec. 20 and return on Jan. 3 to be sworn in for a new term.
—Tobi Raji The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
The back of the soundbar features two recesses situated a quarter of the speaker’s length from either side.
—PCMAG, 27 Jan. 2025
The petition also references a recess taken by the board members in the middle of the voting process.
—Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
The prosecution formally rested its case in July, and the court recessed for the summer and fall.
—Tia Goldenburg, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024
Congress is scheduled to recess for the holidays on Dec. 20 and return on Jan. 3 to be sworn in for a new term.
—Tobi Raji The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
The space is broken into five main sections, with private rooms, semi-private booths hidden in elaborate alcoves, a full bar slinging yuzu lemon drops and even a sushi bar.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2025
-
The footage shows a living room setting with two arched minimalist alcove spaces along a wall, decorated with just a couple of lamps.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Americans are factoring in their ancestry while booking their vacations, with many digging into their family trees.—
Ashley J. DiMella Fox News,
Fox News,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Key Takeaway Sure, there’s nothing wrong with filling your days with snorkeling and beach volleyball on vacation.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
An offer sheet for this player would need to be significant to give Bowman pause, so $10 million times seven seasons would need to be a comfort zone for an opposition general manager.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The program is on pause after legal challenges from states, and the amount of savings its elimination could generate, $150 billion or more, depends on the status of the litigation.—
Margot Sanger-Katz,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Placing the tag on Holland could make some sense, but a $19.6 million price tag could be too rich for a Dolphins team that needs to shore up several holes.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The maritime archaeologist identified shell impact holes in the upper starboard of the hull’s ballast tank and significant battle damage to the base of the submarine’s conning tower.—
Sean Kingsley,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
While the warning was emphatic — and the accounts linked to the scheme were suspended — newer meme accounts promoting Stake have continued to pop up on the site.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
23 Feb. 2025
-
The American Bar Association (ABA) has voted to suspend its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) standard for law schools as the Trump administration looks to gut all programs and initiatives associated with DEI within the federal government.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The report also found many consumers start holiday shopping early to manage expenses, with 22 percent beginning as early as August.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Payments are never made on weekends or on federal holidays.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The latter half of the show had a bit of a lull, with the audience staying less engaged and driven as some of the slower tracks blended into each other.—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Zero Day starts picking up speed again after a couple of episodes’ lull when the commission rallies to break the Reapers’ code.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Studies show that community water fluoridation can help prevent cavities, which can save families money in the long run, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Summary Your bone marrow is a spongy material located in the cavities of your bones.—
Gagandeep Brar,
Verywell Health,
14 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share