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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
Stephen Fowler, NPR, 2 Jan. 2026
As of the midday hours, the hearing was on a lengthy recess so a judge could review arguments from plaintiffs' attorneys.
—Lauren Victory, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Ken Harbaugh, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
The court recessed to address the issue, during which time DeBie produced the video, Eppink said.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Noun
Lawmakers have been on recess for the holidays and return to Washington next week.
—Verb
Sandbags and plywood protected the windows, but the materials were recessed to be less noticeable, and fresh vehicle tracks marked the ground nearby.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for recess
Noun
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Upon entry, clients are ushered through a tunnel of golden arches that lead to the main hall, where skin diagnostics are made in three separate alcoves.—
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Officials aren’t sharing information about the specifics of the site where the remains were stolen, other than to add that the burial ground was likely a sheltered site, such as an alcove or cave.—
Noun
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By Saturday the ban was lifted, but several vacationers were forced into extended vacations waiting for their next trip home.—
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Juan Reyes, 49, Enin’s friend and the superintendent of his apartment building, told The News that Enin had recently returned from a vacation in Africa.—
Noun
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Federal lawmakers are trying to avoid another closure that would lead to furloughs of thousands of federal workers and a pause in some government operations.—
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Disneyland will restart its 70th anniversary celebration with a new menu lineup designed to tempt foodies and keep them coming back for more after pressing pause on the yearlong party during the Halloween and Christmas seasons.—
Noun
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His absence left yet another hole in the quartet featuring him, Ball, Knueppel and Bridges.—
-
Plunging directly in the frigid lake via holes carved in the ice.—
Verb
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Dugan was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in April, but continued to collect her roughly $175,000 annual salary while awaiting trial.—
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However, since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, several reactors have been suspended or are awaiting restart approvals.—
Noun
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These simple salads will be right at home on your holiday table and are so easy to whip up (sometimes even in advance).—
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Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Wireless Headphones For an extra-thoughtful holiday gift, consider these noise-canceling headphones.—
Noun
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Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Activity hit a lull after Edwin Díaz was introduced as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new closer 26 days ago.—
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Hornick, the diner’s owner, said that despite the Logan Square spot struggling for many months — some days having a two-hour lull without a single customer — servers would turn a switch immediately as the door swung open.—
Noun
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Christmas garlands, high heels, and even craft supplies have all found a home in the spacious cavity.—
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Plaque is the sticky film of germs that can cause cavities and make your breath smell bad.—
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recess. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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