1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself
decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in entertainment
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment
bowling is great recreation on a rainy afternoon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in amusement
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public
water parks have become a significant part of the recreation business
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in sport
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure
as with other men of his class and income, his principal recreations were polo and yachting
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in restoration
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 recreation
Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2025
To the south, Yellowstone, a nearly 3,500-square-mile wilderness recreation area, sitting atop a volcanic hot spot, is a nature lover’s nirvana.
—Lynn O'Rourke Hayes, Boston Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Eligible organizations include public swimming facilities, schools, municipalities, park and recreation organizations, swim schools, residential communities and health centers, the release said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for recreation 
Noun
Anyone who volunteers at least 250 hours at a federation recreation site is eligible for the annual pass.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2025
To the south, Yellowstone, a nearly 3,500-square-mile wilderness recreation area, sitting atop a volcanic hot spot, is a nature lover’s nirvana.
—Lynn O'Rourke Hayes, Boston Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Eligible organizations include public swimming facilities, schools, municipalities, park and recreation organizations, swim schools, residential communities and health centers, the release said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for recreation
Thesaurus Entries Near recreation
Cite this Entry
“Recreation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recreation. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share