recess
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for recess, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A break from an activity or from regular proceedings, especially in a school, court, or legislature.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use recess
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin recessus ("a withdrawing, a hidden or secluded spot"), from recedere ("to go back").
Full origin of recess →Frequently asked questions
What does “recess” mean?
The word “recess” means a break from an activity or from regular proceedings, especially in a school, court, or legislature. In plain terms, a break in activity, or a hollow set into a wall.
How do you pronounce “recess”?
“Recess” is pronounced rih-SEHS (/ˈɹiˌsɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “recess” in a sentence?
Here is “recess” used in a sentence: “The kids ran outside for recess after lunch.”
What part of speech is “recess”?
Depending on how it is used, “recess” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “recess” come from?
The word “recess” comes from Latin. From Latin recessus ("a withdrawing, a hidden or secluded spot"), from recedere ("to go back").
Is “recess” a common word?
“Recess” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “recess” have?
“Recess” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a break from an activity or from regular proceedings, especially in a school, court, or legislature.