recreation 1 of 2

noun (1)

ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce recreation (audio)
Definition of recreationnext
1
as in relaxation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in entertainment
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment bowling is great recreation on a rainy afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in amusement
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public water parks have become a significant part of the recreation business

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in sport
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure as with other men of his class and income, his principal recreations were polo and yachting

Synonyms & Similar Words

re-creation

2 of 2

noun (2)

as in restoration

Related Words

Example 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 recreation
Noun
The Red Hook Pool, which marks its 90th anniversary this year, is slated for a $122 million renovation of both the pool and recreation center. — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026 This National Heritage Area spans from New York City to Albany and is full of scenic parks, outdoor recreation, and plenty of history. — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Noun
Meesha’s re-creation of Gobel’s physicality, facial expressions and speaking style is uncanny. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026 Various outbuildings now house a small screening room, where clips from a documentary on Herriot’s life play, as well as a re-creation of the TV studio and set on which the 1978 television series was filmed. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for recreation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recreation
  1. relaxation
  2. entertainment
  3. amusement
  4. sport
  5. restoration
  6. fun
  7. diversion
  8. pursuit
Noun
  • Transforming unused outdoor areas creates functional spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.
    — Barbara Bellesi Zito, The Spruce, 1 July 2026
  • Pillars of Greek culture, like an open-air cinema and taverna-inspired dining, anchor the experience, which also offers a standalone spa plus fitness center complete with a Finnish sauna and outdoor yoga deck for extra relaxation.
    — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
Definition of relaxation
Noun
  • New York Police shut down the immediate vicinity of Madison Square Garden and closed part of 7th Avenue bottlenecking traffic near the iconic sports and entertainment arena.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Knoebels was named America’s best amusement and water park for 2026 in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, which is based on reviews.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Ureña, a 22-year-old right-hander who has emerged as another potential ace, speaks of Soriano with a giddy amusement mixed with a solemn respect for how the starter has survived in the big leagues.
    — Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!
    — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • But tomorrow — or a week from now — Ream hopes the team can celebrate the influence its World Cup run made on the sport and the country.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of sport
Noun
  • By 2014, the Army Corps of Engineers declared its intent to remove the mural with no immediate plans for restoration.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Butler was one of several key women in the history of environmental restoration who took advantage of the fact that botany was not entirely restricted to men—though this also meant that it was denigrated as a feminine pastime.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
Definition of restoration
Noun
  • Set in the San Bernardino Mountains (like Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead), Oak Glen is home to acres of apple orchards, bed-and-breakfasts, and a family fun park, Oak Tree Mountain.
    — Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
  • Every Sunday, the kids club—adorably called Sweet Potato—organizes eco-educational activities such as bamboo kit workshops and pigment painting classes, and the shallow end of the beachfront infinity pool delivers hours of watery fun.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • Theaters were there for us as an affordable diversion during the Great Depression and World War II, and more recently have been a haven for anyone needing air conditioning or a popcorn bucket.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Supporters of the diversion program say that the program has had reasonable levels of success in California.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of diversion
Noun
  • During the pursuit, police said Johnson turned toward the Guard members with his weapon.
    — Lucas Finton, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Furthermore, current jobs, even if not ideal, can fund these personal pursuits, fostering a positive outlook that ultimately aids career progression.
    — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of pursuit

Browse Nearby Words

re-creating
recreation
re-creation
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Cite this Entry

“Recreation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recreation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on recreation

Nglish: Translation of recreation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about recreation

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