Advertisement

View synonyms for recess

recess

[ ri-ses, ree-ses ]

noun

  1. temporary withdrawal or cessation from the usual work or activity.

    Synonyms: vacation, break, rest, respite

  2. a period of such withdrawal.
  3. a receding recede part or space, as a bay or alcove in a room.
  4. an indentation in a line or extent of coast, hills, forest, etc.
  5. recesses, a secluded or inner area or part:

    in the recesses of the palace.



verb (used with object)

  1. to place or set in a recess.
  2. to set or form as or like a recess; make a recess or recesses in:

    to recess a wall.

  3. to suspend or defer for a recess:

    to recess the Senate.

verb (used without object)

  1. to take a recess.

recess

noun

  1. a space, such as a niche or alcove, set back or indented
  2. often plural a secluded or secret place

    recesses of the mind

  3. a cessation of business, such as the closure of Parliament during a vacation
  4. anatomy a small cavity or depression in a bodily organ, part, or structure
  5. a break between classes at a school


verb

  1. tr to place or set (something) in a recess
  2. tr to build a recess or recesses in (a wall, building, etc)

Discover More

Other Words From

  • nonre·cess noun

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess1

1510–20; < Latin recessus a withdrawal, receding part, equivalent to recēd ( ere ) to recede 1 + -tus suffix of v. action, with dt > ss

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess1

C16: from Latin recessus a retreat, from recēdere to recede

Discover More

Example Sentences

He remembered one day when Rabbi Bodenheimer came outside during recess.

Congress returns from recess next week and has two weeks of session before adjourning again until after the election.

With Congress in recess, it seems she had to get back in the spotlight any way she could.

First, the only “recess” that counted was the one that started at the end of a Senate session.

This case speaks to the breadth of presidential power over recess appointments.

The baron turned full upon him, and leaned his shoulders against the iron door of the recess.

They walked together to a recess in the garden, where they sat down under the full radiance of the unclouded moon.

The usual monthly lists of accessions have been sent out during the recess.

He stepped out on to the balcony, followed by Nigel, and pulled out from the recess the first of the sliding doors.

All the toilet arrangements were perfect, and each room had a recess in which was a large enamelled bath.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement