recumbent

as in horizontal
formal lying down The Egyptian sphinx has the body of a recumbent lion. a recumbent position

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 recumbent Multiple 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recumbent
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • This natural stone is porous enough to stain, soft enough to scratch, and prone to damage from chemicals.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sixty-five miles southwest of Chicago, a small hill that looks like a prop from an Indiana Jones movie breaks up the flat, monotone landscape.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • The flat front is sophisticated enough to pair with work blouses or elevate your favorite T-shirt with.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recumbent. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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