sub·sur·face
ˈsəb-ˌsər-fəs 
: earth material (such as rock) near but not exposed at the surface of the ground
sub·sur·face
ˌsəb-ˈsər-fəs
: of, relating to, or being something located beneath a surface and especially underground
Examples of subsurface in a Sentence
Adjective
a sandy wasteland that gave little hint of its subsurface wealth
Recent Examples on the Web
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
If approved, the permits would allow the company to analyze the subsurface with sonic waves and drilling.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2022
After analyzing that data, researchers had a subsurface picture of the rocks, clay and thermal liquid below Yellowstone.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2022
See All Example Sentences for subsurface
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Noun
Meanwhile, China is exploring a multi-part mission architecture that would include an orbiter, a lander and a deep-drilling robot that would attempt to reach the subsurface ocean to search for potential biosignatures.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
If approved, the permits would allow the company to analyze the subsurface with sonic waves and drilling.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
An entire ocean’s worth is unlikely, but a significant amount of subsurface water isn’t.
—John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2022
After analyzing that data, researchers had a subsurface picture of the rocks, clay and thermal liquid below Yellowstone.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2022
See All Example Sentences for subsurface
Cite this Entry
“Subsurface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsurface. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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