Synonyms for "recess"

6 kid-friendly synonyms for recess, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "recess" mean?

The word recess is a noun that means: a break in the school day when kids get to play.

Example: "Recess is the best!"

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for recess

Younger kids can use these in place of "recess":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for recess

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for recess

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of recess (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of recess:

FAQ — synonyms for recess

What is a good synonym for recess in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try break. For older students, "break" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does recess have?
We list 6 grade-appropriate synonyms for recess across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is recess a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, recess is used as a noun.

🦒 Try the live tool

Look up another word in the Synonym Finder.

Open Synonym Finder for recess →

Related tools for recess