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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in suspends
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 recesses
Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Often today, it is then nurtured in the dark recesses of the internet, where children and teenagers can find peers angry at the world and ready to lash out.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026
With millions of people along its coastline and countless vessels crossing its waters, the Mediterranean receives an enormous and constant flow of waste — much of which eventually settles into its deepest recesses.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Doctrines and designs which a few years since could find no mouthpiece out of a bar-room, or the piratical den of a filibuster, are now clothed with power by the authentic response of the bench of our highest judicatory, and obsequiously iterated from the oracular recesses of the National Palace.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
At the request of the art-loving owner, numerous areas have been designed as private galleries with special shelves for sculptures and recesses in the walls for paintings.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
Why are CEOs worrying so much about what recently were science projects within the deep recesses of their organizations?
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In the recesses of the stadium, a doctor examined the right ankle of Bo Nix, the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
The multiple polygonal recesses and panels and sharp creases throughout the lower half of the front-end are an uninvited reminder about how eager Toyota's design team seems to throw itself into absolute overwrought styling territory.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
On their first night in Guangzhou, while Joost was in the private shower attached to their room, Martha pulled her money pouch from the recesses of her pack and counted her traveller’s checks.
—Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Often today, it is then nurtured in the dark recesses of the internet, where children and teenagers can find peers angry at the world and ready to lash out.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026
With millions of people along its coastline and countless vessels crossing its waters, the Mediterranean receives an enormous and constant flow of waste — much of which eventually settles into its deepest recesses.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Doctrines and designs which a few years since could find no mouthpiece out of a bar-room, or the piratical den of a filibuster, are now clothed with power by the authentic response of the bench of our highest judicatory, and obsequiously iterated from the oracular recesses of the National Palace.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
At the request of the art-loving owner, numerous areas have been designed as private galleries with special shelves for sculptures and recesses in the walls for paintings.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026
Why are CEOs worrying so much about what recently were science projects within the deep recesses of their organizations?
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In the recesses of the stadium, a doctor examined the right ankle of Bo Nix, the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
The multiple polygonal recesses and panels and sharp creases throughout the lower half of the front-end are an uninvited reminder about how eager Toyota's design team seems to throw itself into absolute overwrought styling territory.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recesses
Noun
-
The alcoves on the rotunda's first level long held Iowa units' battle flags, including the 2nd Infantry's scarred banner.—
Bill Steiden,
Des Moines Register,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Guests crunch through colorful seasonal salads, sip from an expansive wine list and dig into chef Alan Sternberg's inventive pasta dishes at snugly cloistered tables in wood and brick alcoves lined with paintings, books and even a handful of typewriters.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The trip was chosen with Amanda Bratton’s love of cruise vacations in mind.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The firm estimates that the top 10 percent of American earners will spend an eye-watering $544 billion on vacations in this year.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Places such as Anstruther and Crail provide natural pauses, with the former offering one of Scotland’s most beautiful tidal pools, offering everything from fresh seafood to small galleries and historic streets to explore.—
Rosie Conroy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Still in effect are various other pauses on legal migration – including a pause on the issuing of immigrant visas for 75 countries, and a pause on all immigration applications from countries covered by the travel ban.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Korda took the season opener that was cut to 54 holes because of extreme cold and wind in Florida, while Kim won last week at Sharon Heights.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Make no mistake, as healthy top-to-bottom as Denver is, there are still a few notable holes on this roster.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The once temporary measure, which has been extended for nearly four years, suspends key constitutional rights and has led to around 91,300 people being detained in El Salvador.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The once temporary measure, which has been extended for nearly four years, suspends key constitutional rights and has led to around 91,300 people being detained in El Salvador.—
Gisela Salomon,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With runners on the corners and two outs, Bichette lined a single to right, and Carson Benge scored easily.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In its final form, though, the change — 8 to 10 feet closer in the corners with the gaps tapering toward a still 410-foot centerfield — certainly doesn’t appear overwhelming.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
From religious holidays to commemorations of native traditions, every month presents a new way to witness such an exuberant community spirit.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Several states — including California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland and Utah — have weighed gas tax holidays as a way to provide relief at the pump.—
Matthew Daly,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Referring to the decline in permits approved, ECMC Director Julie Murphy said there were lulls as everyone adjusted course.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Acting in a movie involves a lot of waiting around, too—as the crew repositions cameras and adjusts the lighting, among other things—and those lulls provided me with plenty of time to feel queasy with anxiety.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Recesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recesses. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
