recumbent

adjective

Definition of recumbentnext
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

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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 However, people prone to falls should avoid outdoor cycling and may need a recumbent bike instead of an upright one.11 A recumbent bike has a seat low to the ground and the rider in a reclined position, with pedals closer to the front of the bike. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2025 Camper #2 will have to pedal in on their own bike, however, as the T1's recumbent cockpit only has one seat. —New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2024 There's even a SELF Home Fitness Award-winning recumbent bike from Merach on sale for $200 less than usual. —Sarah Felbin, SELF, 2 Dec. 2024 Ben Kilner View 10 Images View gallery - 10 images Traversing the width of Scotland in a canoe would be a challenge in and of itself, as would traversing it on a recumbent tricycle. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for recumbent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recumbent
  1. horizontal
  2. prone
  3. flat
Adjective
  • In a 2024 report, UBS refers to this as the horizontal wealth transfer, or wealth that will be transferred from one spouse to another.
    — Janet Arzt, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The horizontal log provides them some profile cover, which can shield them visually from passing predators.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of horizontal
Adjective
  • Unlike softshell luggage, which is prone to rips, punctures, and general wear and tear, the Voja is constructed from polypropylene, a material that is both lightweight and incredibly impact-resistant.
    — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Smaller dogs are notoriously much louder and more prone to aggression than their bigger counterparts.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of prone
Adjective
  • Unlike Blockbuster, Netflix allowed users to rent unlimited DVDs for a flat fee.
    — John Hall, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Alix notes she’s seen a return to laying pillows flat as opposed to propping them upright—whether under or on top of bedding.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of flat

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Cite this Entry

“Recumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recumbent. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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