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 prize of the collection—a pallid, recumbent, half-naked Cleopatra, by Artemisia Gentileschi—was on loan to a museum, leaving a ghostly rectangle of space on a wall near the kitchen, where a litter box was discreetly positioned. —

Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for recumbent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recumbent

Adjective

Icicle lights: This type of Christmas light resembles an icicle due to its various lengths of vertical lights that hang off of a horizontal string of lights.

Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024
The direction of the inscription is horizontal, from right to left or vice versa.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024