recline
verb
re·cline ri-ˈklīn 
reclined; reclining
transitive verb
: to cause or permit to incline backwards
intransitive verb
1
: to lean or incline backwards
2
: repose, lie
Example Sentences
She was reclining on the sofa, watching TV. The theater has reclining seats. He reclined his seat so that he could nap more comfortably.
Recent Examples on the Web Which is why my fellow economy-class members who recline their seats are the worst. 
Abbey Gingras, Outside Online, 17 Mar. 2019 Adjustable head and lumbar pillows, as well as the ability to recline 180 degrees, add to its value. Gabrielle Hondorp, Popular Mechanics, 22 July 2022 Initially, the post described relatively minor issues such as the lack of WiFi and a seat that wouldn’t recline. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 6 June 2022 The loungers recline to three positions and customers love their elegant curved silhouette. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 16 May 2022 The float features a transparent cover with rainbow beams shooting down the middle, and will allow users to recline, fully above water, for hours. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 19 May 2022 Both seats recline into two different positions and have generous padding (although no calf rest). Sara Gaynes Levy, PEOPLE.com, 5 May 2022 Loungers typically recline to more than one position, though not all adjust to flat. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 16 May 2022 This sleeper sofa features a back that will recline to a flat position, creating a comfy sleeping spot without the hassle of a pull-out mechanism. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 13 May 2022 See More
Abbey Gingras, Outside Online, 17 Mar. 2019 Adjustable head and lumbar pillows, as well as the ability to recline 180 degrees, add to its value. Gabrielle Hondorp, Popular Mechanics, 22 July 2022 Initially, the post described relatively minor issues such as the lack of WiFi and a seat that wouldn’t recline. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 6 June 2022 The loungers recline to three positions and customers love their elegant curved silhouette. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 16 May 2022 The float features a transparent cover with rainbow beams shooting down the middle, and will allow users to recline, fully above water, for hours. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 19 May 2022 Both seats recline into two different positions and have generous padding (although no calf rest). Sara Gaynes Levy, PEOPLE.com, 5 May 2022 Loungers typically recline to more than one position, though not all adjust to flat. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 16 May 2022 This sleeper sofa features a back that will recline to a flat position, creating a comfy sleeping spot without the hassle of a pull-out mechanism. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 13 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French recliner, from Latin reclinare, from re- + clinare to bend — more at lean
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Kids Definition
recline
verb
re·cline ri-ˈklīn
reclined; reclining
1
: to lie down or sit back usually in a relaxed way
2
: to lean backward
Does that chair recline?
recline
verb
1
as in to tilt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- tilt
- angle
- lean
- slope
- incline
- tip
- heel
- cock
- cant
- list
- slant
- fall
- dip
- decline
- descend
- sink
- plunge
- drop
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rise
- ascend
- climb
- arise
- mount
- straighten
- plane
- flatten
- smooth
- upsweep
- upturn
- even
- uprise
- level
2
as in to couch
Synonyms & Similar Words
- couch
- sleep
- nap
- snooze
- doze
- slumber
- drop off
- lie (down)
- nod
- bed
- perch
- bunk
- settle
- turn in
- retire
- roost
- crash
- doss (down)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rise
- arise
- awake
- awaken
- rouse
- wake
- waken
- bestir
- arouse
- stir
- shift
- uprise
- reawaken
- get up
- stir
- reawake