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)

Other Words From

• nonre·cess noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess¹

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

Example Sentences

If Republicans bow to his demand to recess the Senate so that he can install appointees without confirmation, it would rewrite the balance of power established by the founders more than two centuries ago.

From Salon

And if the Congress doesn’t recess, Trump may have another norm-shattering gambit in reserve.

From Los Angeles Times

Cabinet positions are supposed to be confirmed by the Senate, though Trump has suggested that he may use recess appointments to bypass the need for lawmakers’ approval.

From Los Angeles Times

On Sunday, he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that the Senate’s next Republican majority leader “must agree” to empower him to make critical appointments unilaterally while the chamber is in recess.

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump has told the Senate he wants to bypass that requirement for his Cabinet choices using recess appointments.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• adjourn
• break off
• break up
• dissolve
• terminate