How does the adjective recumbent differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of recumbent are prone, prostrate, and supine. While all these words mean "lying down," recumbent implies the posture of one sleeping or resting.
a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed
When might prone be a better fit than recumbent?
While the synonyms prone and recumbent are close in meaning, prone implies a position with the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface.
push-ups require a prone position
In what contexts can prostrate take the place of recumbent?
The words prostrate and recumbent can be used in similar contexts, but prostrate implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or physical collapse.
a runner fell prostrate at the finish line
Where would supine be a reasonable alternative to recumbent?
The words supine and recumbent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supine implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness.
lying supine on the couch
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of recumbentMultiple versions are also available, including recumbent bikes for people with mobility issues and bikes with a seat back for people with low back pain.—Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025 Determined to use your recumbent bike for something other than hanging your clothes?—Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 For example, recumbent exercise bikes typically range from $130-$150 for the most basic models, while the more high-end models go for more than $500.—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025 For a more relaxed ride: If a recumbent bike is more your style, consider the Home Fitness Award-winning Merach S19.—Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recumbent
My guess is that, after all these years, the horizontal pipe had filled with water, rendering the vent useless.
—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
Back in his day, Neutra rubbed shoulders with Frank Lloyd Wright and Rudolph Schindler, whose influences are recognizable through his use of clean, horizontal lines and how these structures blend into nature.
—
Kristine Hansen,
Architectural Digest,
30 May 2025
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