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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in suspends
to bring to a formal close for a period of time
the judge recessed the court for lunch
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of recesses
Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
Their debut album, Bergtatt (1995), released when singer Kristoffer Garm Rygg was 18, inspired a whole universe of nature-drunk folk metal; meanwhile, Nattens Madrigal (1997) is a prime example of the most scabrous and distortion-encrusted recesses of black metal.
—Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026
Wipe off the ketchup, then use a soft toothbrush if needed to gently scrub any recesses or crevices that need further cleaning.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025
At the Capitol, the Senate and House have started their Thanksgiving recesses.
—The Hill, 21 Nov. 2025
Making a drama that looks into the dark recesses of this place—and having people from all sides champion it—felt impossible.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025
So pull your finest dinnerware from the recesses of your cabinet, prepare the place cards, and fire off a round of invitations.
—Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2025
Whatever happens to Loomer’s life online, Hitchens’s profile is a revealing look at the new Washington, where policy sometimes flows from the recesses of the internet into the West Wing of the White House.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
Here was the postwar American housewife—neatly dressed, pretty, poised, active—stepping unwittingly into a scene of utter depravity and sadism that reflected back at this wholesome young mother the darkest recesses of the human mind.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
In Wisconsin's remote Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Lake Superior crashes into rocky recesses, exploding against the walls and leaving frozen fingers.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for recesses
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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Now, designers like Hám Interiors are making clever use of compact spaces by fitting bedrooms with alcoves that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.—
Noun
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Managing expectations is also a huge part of making vacations a relaxing experience.—
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His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations.—
Noun
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Taking intentional pauses is key, too.—
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The pauses are just as much dialogue as the words.—
Noun
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Officers saw multiple bullet holes on the metal fence dividing the properties and shell casings in his backyard, the affidavit said.—
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Add a pass rusher with the first pick, a receiver in Round 2 and then spend heavily on patching holes in free agency.—
Verb
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Waymo suspends service The autonomous driving technology company suspended its robotaxi services during the power outage.—
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An Encinitas City Council member accused of assaulting a resident during a parking dispute secured an agreement Monday that suspends his misdemeanor case and could see charges dismissed in as few as seven months.—
Noun
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His popularity in other corners was evident in an October appearance on The View, in which cohost Whoopi Goldberg had to reprimand the audience for shouting out too many supportive exclamations.—
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All that oomph is split between all four corners by a seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox.—
Noun
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The fedora is reserved for weekends, holidays and museum visits.—
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The group also plans to open a bank account to store any remaining donations after the shutdown, which will go toward helping people on SNAP during emergencies and holidays.—
Noun
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But even the best run into lulls during an 82-game season.—
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The offense suffered some lulls in his absence, but second-year wide receiver Ryan Flournoy was able to pick up the production vacated by Lamb in the second half by finishing with 115 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions.—
Cite this Entry
“Recesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recesses. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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