RECUMBENT Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'recumbent' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of recumbent are prone , prostrate , and supine . While all these words mean "lying down," recumbent implies the posture of one sleeping or resting. // a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed

Q: When might 'prone' be a better fit than 'recumbent'?

While the synonyms prone and recumbent are close in meaning, prone implies a position with the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface. // push-ups require a prone position

Q: In what contexts can 'prostrate' take the place of 'recumbent'?

The words prostrate and recumbent can be used in similar contexts, but prostrate implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or physical collapse. // a runner fell prostrate at the finish line

Q: Where would 'supine' be a reasonable alternative to 'recumbent'?

The words supine and recumbent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supine implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness. // lying supine on the couch

recumbent

adjective

Definition of recumbent next

as in horizontal

formal lying down The Egyptian sphinx has the body of a recumbent lion. a recumbent position

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How does the adjective recumbent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of recumbent are prone, prostrate, and supine. While all these words mean "lying down," recumbent implies the posture of one sleeping or resting.

a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed

When might prone be a better fit than recumbent?

While the synonyms prone and recumbent are close in meaning, prone implies a position with the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface.

push-ups require a prone position

In what contexts can prostrate take the place of recumbent?

The words prostrate and recumbent can be used in similar contexts, but prostrate implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or physical collapse.

a runner fell prostrate at the finish line

Where would supine be a reasonable alternative to recumbent?

The words supine and recumbent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supine implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness.

lying supine on the couch

Examples 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 recumbent The divan’s red floral cover dominates the composition, setting off the tangle of thick black outlines and shadows defining her recumbent body. —

Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 11 July 2024 One of them, Cavehill, is said to have appeared as a recumbent giant to Jonathan Swift. —

Timothy O'Grady, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2024 Best Things to Do Awana Spa This place exudes tranquility right down to its footprint, which features curvilinear walls in the shape of a recumbent Buddha. —

David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2024 The tricycle itself is a fairly standard recumbent setup, with the cranks in front and slightly above the seat, which can be adjusted for different riders' legs. —

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 12 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for recumbent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recumbent

Adjective

This crazy star seems to communicate with a smaller, five-pointed star to its upper right that is mainly light blue, though its loose weave of horizontal and vertical marks also contains other colors.

Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Featuring a single horizontal screen that effectively replaces the traditional dashboard, the minimalist cabin is yet another example of Nakamura’s design philosophy that centers on clean lines, quality materials and user-centric functionality.

Peter Lyon, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024