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
Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025
The House would have a short window to pass the Senate bill before Trump’s July 4 deadline, with plans to bring members back from their recess next week.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025
Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 June 2025
On June 16, 1978, one day after Branham High School recessed for summer, a student found Diane Peterson lying on the floor of the hallway near her classroom with a single stab wound to her chest, according to the Santa Clara County district attorney’s office.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
Lloyd’s early reputation was partly built on an imaginative knack for tapping new meaning from the darkest and most interesting recesses of a play, notably but not only Harold Pinter’s work (Lloyd’s Betrayal, also with Hiddleston, was lauded on both sides of the Atlantic).
—Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025
The House would have a short window to pass the Senate bill before Trump’s July 4 deadline, with plans to bring members back from their recess next week.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025
Verb
Peterson was found lying on the floor near her classroom with a single stab wound to her chest on June 16, 1978, one day after school recessed for the summer, according to the release.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 June 2025
On June 16, 1978, one day after Branham High School recessed for summer, a student found Diane Peterson lying on the floor of the hallway near her classroom with a single stab wound to her chest, according to the Santa Clara County district attorney’s office.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
-
Bathed in overcast light, the ruins of a stone city stood out from the shadows of a massive alcove.—
Mike Bezemek,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 July 2025
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The alcove features a fire pit surrounded by four eight-foot-tall walls, which local artist Jonas Never brought to life with murals depicting the neighborhoods that intersect at Gladstones — Malibu, the Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica.—
Karla Marie Sanford,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Noun
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With so much happening around the world, many travelers are turning to vacations as a way to reset, looking not just for adventure, but for rest, reflection and renewal.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
At $36, Garten's favorite rosé is a reasonable little luxury that can make a standard Tuesday night feel a little more like summer vacation.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Even though no funding has been cut, Jackson condemned the administration, contending the effect of the pause is going to be massive and could result in North Carolina firing about 1,000 educators.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
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Decisions are made, the next task appears, and there’s little pause to examine what worked or what missed.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Fans can take photos among immersive tableaus from the show, play a larger than life version of Alamo Pong — corn hole but with giant beer cans — and toss rings at Rhinestein’s cowboy boot toss.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
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Secure burn barrels: If burning is permitted in your area, ensure that all burn barrels have a weighted metal cover, complete with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Additionally, the European Union should suspend current negotiations for Customs Union reform between itself and Turkey.—
Jesse Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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Meanwhile, Brussels decided to suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods scheduled to take effect Monday in hopes of reaching a trade deal with the Trump administration by the end of the month.—
Sam McNeil,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Today, Anglin’s Square is the area’s destination for major holiday events (including a spectacular Christmas tree lighting) as well as for bimonthly dance lessons, live music, and beginner’s yoga—all completely free for anyone who happens to pass by.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
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Then, in April, the Russian Federation proposed a three-day ceasefire during the Easter and Passover holidays.—
Mark Temnycky,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
And far in the distance, whenever there's a lull in the party, an occasional cheer can be heard from Centre Court, less than a quarter-mile away — where some of these lucky campers will be watching world-class tennis the next day.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
10 July 2025
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China’s electric vehicle juggernaut appeared to be easing in Europe but last month new data showed the lull was short-lived.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Barred owls are quite territorial and are generally considered cavity nesters.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
This partially or fully severs the turtle’s head before the crab feeds from the cavity.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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