1
as in pavilions
a freestanding airy structure in a scenic setting (as a park) typically offering commanding views
a small alcove in one corner of the backyard garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in nooks
a hollowed-out space in a wall
an ancient vase in an alcove and a sculpture of Achilles on a stand in the museum's Greek Hall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alcoves
The six individual bunkbed alcoves, built inside the airline's new fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, will have a lie-flat bed with a mattress, pillow, sheets, blanket and a seatbelt.
—
Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Here in the 12,000-square-foot Asaya Spa, alcoves with loungers are like small sitting rooms.
—Rebecca Rose, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
The boards illustrate the two-story building with details such as white walls and a clay roof, alcoves and residential balconies facing the street.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
The alcoves on the rotunda's first level long held Iowa units' battle flags, including the 2nd Infantry's scarred banner.
—Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026
Guests crunch through colorful seasonal salads, sip from an expansive wine list and dig into chef Alan Sternberg's inventive pasta dishes at snugly cloistered tables in wood and brick alcoves lined with paintings, books and even a handful of typewriters.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Elsewhere, the children’s bunkroom pairs two built-in bunks with two captain’s beds tucked in their own alcoves.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Guest quarters are immense, with sunken bathtubs, Porthault sheets upon request on beds in cozy alcoves, and either a terrace or a porch.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Upon entry, clients are ushered through a tunnel of golden arches that lead to the main hall, where skin diagnostics are made in three separate alcoves.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025
Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Here in the 12,000-square-foot Asaya Spa, alcoves with loungers are like small sitting rooms.
—Rebecca Rose, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
The boards illustrate the two-story building with details such as white walls and a clay roof, alcoves and residential balconies facing the street.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
The alcoves on the rotunda's first level long held Iowa units' battle flags, including the 2nd Infantry's scarred banner.
—Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026
Guests crunch through colorful seasonal salads, sip from an expansive wine list and dig into chef Alan Sternberg's inventive pasta dishes at snugly cloistered tables in wood and brick alcoves lined with paintings, books and even a handful of typewriters.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Elsewhere, the children’s bunkroom pairs two built-in bunks with two captain’s beds tucked in their own alcoves.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Guest quarters are immense, with sunken bathtubs, Porthault sheets upon request on beds in cozy alcoves, and either a terrace or a porch.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Upon entry, clients are ushered through a tunnel of golden arches that lead to the main hall, where skin diagnostics are made in three separate alcoves.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alcoves
Noun
-
The rooms The impact of hewn rock, slate, scented Himalayan cedar and pine needs no embellishment in the seven pavilions, whose picture windows are best angled to catch the changing light on Nanda Devi and the Panchachuli peaks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Recent pavilions have been historic and widely celebrated firsts, including Leigh as the first Black woman to represent the US in 2022, and Jeffrey Gibson as the first Indigenous artist to have a solo presentation in 2024.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The building will have a gym, a gross motor room with play equipment for the youngest students, a two-story library with reading nooks, a learning hub able to accommodate two classes at a time, and an outdoor area with patio furniture.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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For people angling for a longer-term stay, the desks built into window nooks, the dedicated children’s room with bunk beds, and the 16-seater dining table fit for a feast encourages getting comfortable in your temporary home.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But none of these conflicts affected so many corners of the world as swiftly as the Iran war.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Brazzell is a 6-foot-4, 198-pound target who glides by his opposing corners with ease.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many found new niches in grooming, boarding or training.—
Annie Hornish,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
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The report suggested these niches are more likely to go to TV news first over social media for breaking news coverage.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alcoves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alcoves. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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