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
The main residence stood on the upper level, while a smaller dépendance, or outbuilding, was partially carved into the lower terrain.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
In less than 60 seconds, the journey down the frozen terrain comes to an end.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Although riding style, terrain, and speed will all have a significant impact on real-world range.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Built for speed and flexibility, the division focuses on airborne operations that enable units to parachute into contested terrain, giving commanders an early foothold in a conflict.
—Steve Beynon, ABC News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
In less than 60 seconds, the journey down the frozen terrain comes to an end.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Although riding style, terrain, and speed will all have a significant impact on real-world range.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Built for speed and flexibility, the division focuses on airborne operations that enable units to parachute into contested terrain, giving commanders an early foothold in a conflict.
—Steve Beynon, ABC News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
Detectives noted a consistent gait and distinctive walking pattern across videos captured before and after the shooting, including footage showing the suspect circling the area for hours and later walking away from the Barus & Holley building shortly after the gunfire.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Prescott's downtown area adds the perfect southwest charm and history and was even the stomping grounds of famed cowboy Doc Holiday.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The fact that the Texas border and the US border are the same is a matter of geography not sovereignty.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The Middle East has an opportunity to leapfrog others and become a leading tech hub, with numerous advantages other geographies can only dream of.—
Judah Taub,
semafor.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Development and testing activities will take place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, which will serve as the reference environment for industrial validation and certification of the technology.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
It’s been a very forward-looking, stimulating environment.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
If multiple hypotheses work to explain the data equally well but one conflicts with reality in some other realm (and the other doesn’t), the one that’s valid across the widest range of applicability is superior.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
-
There are many arguments and ideas to bring more transparency, flexibility and consumer choice to the realm of drug pricing.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Looking down on the airfield below, I was struck by the forbidding topography.—
Ken Harbaugh,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Authorities have conducted search and rescue efforts by ground and air, but these can be challenging in southern Arizona with uneven topography, limited visibility and temperature changes.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The team analyzed 44 elements and found no single universal reaction to space; instead, microbial metabolism changed in distinct, element-specific ways.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Sugar does have benefits for feeding cut flowers, which is why it's added to the mixtures used by florists, but in flower food formulas, the sucrose is blended with antimicrobial elements to keep the water free from bacteria.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In 1906, efforts to combine the desert landscapes led to a proposal to make New Mexico and Arizona into a single state, but Arizona voters overwhelmingly rejected this idea and continued to fight for their own statehood.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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Advertisement Which Wuthering Heights best matches the story’s jagged, haunting landscape to the fighting spirit of its central lovers?—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Surveil your barmates Inside Berghain, the atmosphere is eclectic and electric.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Focusing on classic pieces of decor, rather than constantly following changing trends, ensures your space feels like home and creates a cozy, lived-in atmosphere.—
Gabriela Izquierdo,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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