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
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Recent Examples of terrain
Plans now call for further refinements to be made to the wheels, to enhance their performance on mixed terrain.
—
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
Crews will experience coarse terrain, pervasive dust, and a surface unlike anything here on Earth.
—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
22 June 2026
Fairways are generous, but the terrain winds and dips – lending to the challenge.
—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
The Cloudultra 2 is specifically designed for the trails and features On’s ‘missiongrip,’ which gives the shoe next-level traction across rugged terrain.
—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
Crews will experience coarse terrain, pervasive dust, and a surface unlike anything here on Earth.
—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
22 June 2026
Fairways are generous, but the terrain winds and dips – lending to the challenge.
—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
The Cloudultra 2 is specifically designed for the trails and features On’s ‘missiongrip,’ which gives the shoe next-level traction across rugged terrain.
—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
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Police are asking people to avoid the area if possible.
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Specifically targeting underserved areas, the parks will be at the San Joaquin River Parkway, Dust Bowl Camp, and Feather River Park in Yuba County.
Noun
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Why temperatures differed so much Triple-digit heat in places like Stovepipe Wells, California, is driven by a combination of geography and summer sun that makes the desert one of the most efficient heating environments on Earth.
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In music, where geography still matters—centers like New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville continue to dominate—digital and hybrid communities are becoming essential for those building careers from outside traditional hubs.
Noun
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When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
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For a safer outdoor work environment, follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s guidance by scheduling regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.
Noun
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What if Baahubali dies and has to go through the 14 realms of the afterlife in Indian mythology?
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He’s transported to a realm of Tolkienesque fantasy, deposited somewhere between the Stony Waste and the Frozen Sea.
Noun
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The plans have touched off stiff opposition from neighbors worried about soil erosion, already a problem in an area of steeply sloping topography, and potential well contamination.
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The research, conducted by Francois Berkmans, Ludovic Nys, and Maxence Bigerelle, focuses on how surface metrology—essentially, the texture and topography of a painting’s brushstrokes—can be used like a fingerprint to zero in on the authorship of a particular artwork.
Noun
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The experience feels less like touring a luxury property and more like being welcomed into someone’s home—the atmosphere the team set out to create.
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As Norway has advanced in the World Cup, the atmosphere has grown more frenzied in the country than even during a summer or winter Olympics, Tufte said.
Noun
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Once the new designs are approved (sometime this year, if all goes well), the DoB plans to publish the specs so that any contractor can download the design, buy off-the-shelf elements, tailor the structure to the site, and get a scheme approved in a matter of hours.
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Makeup artist Jennifer Powell provided Minetree’s look with serene elements for a youthful glow.
Noun
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There is no television, dishwasher, or microwave, placing the focus instead on the surrounding landscape, and shared daily rituals of cabin life.
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Yet Albania’s bunker-laden landscape may soon feature a pair of luxury resorts, at least if Jared Kushner has his way.
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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