subsurface

1 of 2

noun

sub·​sur·​face ˈsəb-ˌsər-fəs How to pronounce subsurface (audio)
Synonyms of subsurfacenext
: earth material (such as rock) near but not exposed at the surface of the ground

subsurface

2 of 2

adjective

sub·​sur·​face ˌsəb-ˈsər-fəs How to pronounce subsurface (audio)
: of, relating to, or being something located beneath a surface and especially underground

Synonyms of subsurface

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Adjective

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Examples of subsurface in a Sentence

Adjective a sandy wasteland that gave little hint of its subsurface wealth
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
For example, while a small flower bed with drip tubing can be cheaper than installing a full in-ground sprinkler zone, a whole-yard subsurface drip system can be substantially more expensive. — Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 13 July 2026 Building on previous results Located near Central Butte, the Lawson project is Canada’s first subsurface natural hydrogen discovery. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Adjective
Unlike surface waves that break at the coast, these are subsurface shifts in ocean heat that move across thousands of miles. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 June 2026 An entire ocean’s worth is unlikely, but a significant amount of subsurface water isn’t. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for subsurface

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1775, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsurface was in 1775

Rhymes for subsurface

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Browse Nearby Words

subsumptive
subsurface
subsurface tillage
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Cite this Entry

“Subsurface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsurface. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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