1
as in area
a region of activity, knowledge, or influence
we're moving into unfamiliar terrain if we bring pre-Columbian art into our discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in geography
the physical features of a region as a whole
an analysis of the terrain revealed that an invasion force of paratroopers would have their work cut out for them
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded
a new senator getting lost in the foggy terrain of double-dealing and deception
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 terrain
The strategy is for four groups to spread across one edge of the reserve, effectively cutting off a large chunk of the terrain.
—
David Nolan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025
The region is prone to flash flooding The complex terrain of the hilly community exacerbated the emergency, Shepherd said.
—ABC News, 7 July 2025
The trail to the arch is relatively easy, featuring a gradual descent over uneven and rocky terrain.
—AFAR Media, 7 July 2025
But what has proven challenging is the rugged terrain of the area.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
David Nolan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025
The region is prone to flash flooding The complex terrain of the hilly community exacerbated the emergency, Shepherd said.
—ABC News, 7 July 2025
The trail to the arch is relatively easy, featuring a gradual descent over uneven and rocky terrain.
—AFAR Media, 7 July 2025
But what has proven challenging is the rugged terrain of the area.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
What Readers Loved The top 25 islands this year span a huge area: The northernmost winner is Bermuda (No. 10), located in the North Atlantic, while the southernmost include the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba (No. 11), Bonaire (No. 17), and Curaçao (No. 8), all just about 50 miles from Venezuela.—
Hannah Walhout,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
-
To give a wider perspective, Texas has the worst flood heritage in the U.S., if this is defined in terms of discharge per rainfall area.—
Ian Dexter Palmer,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The conditions that led to this disaster - intense moisture in the atmosphere from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry and slow-moving storm systems, meeting specific geography of steep terrain and lack of vegetation - are textbook examples of how a warming world amplifies risk.—
María Mendiluce,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land mass, known for its varied geography, natural beauty, and its many distinct cultural identities.—
Hannah Walhout,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Some of the 50-plus people who spoke to BBC News also contributed to the Banijay inquiry, describing incidents that happened across a range of shows Wallace featured on, but also in environments like night clubs and award ceremonies.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
-
That's because these environments often allot the same physical CPU or GPU to multiple users.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Thoughts: The Peril Of Cognitive Offloading And Distorted Reality The realm of thought is particularly susceptible to the negative feedback loops generated by generative AI.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
The powers of their music uplifts the human spirit, generating a shielding force field that prevents the demonic realm from invading.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Surrounded by mature trees, including pines, sycamores and a 60-year-old pink melaleuca transplanted from elsewhere on the harbor property, the building blends into the natural topography.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
3 July 2025
-
Look a little closer to see the vast topographies of accumulated acrylic paint on wood panels.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Lamont knows the futility of trying to please everyone, which may be one element of his success.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
5 July 2025
-
The result will be an increase in preying on immigrants by the criminal element: robbery, protection scams, sweatshop labor and human trafficking, as the immigrant community withdraws from reliance on no-longer-safe court systems.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
In this new digital landscape, the integrity of AI systems depends entirely on the trustworthiness of the data that fuels them.—
Wendy Chin,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
Key to Trump’s sustained political appeal has been his intuitive understanding of American popular culture and the media landscape.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
With its moody atmosphere and paranormal plots, the show offered something refreshingly different from the network's usual lighthearted fare.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
13 July 2025
-
Developed by Indigo Road Hospitality with interiors by B. Berry and architecture by Neil Stevenson, the hotel blends contemporary design with a spacious, residential atmosphere.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share