Definition of terra firmanext
as in soil
the solid part of our planet's surface as distinguished from the sea and air after that nightmarish storm, the sailors were grateful to reach terra firma

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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 terra firma In the main salon, terra firma appears in dining chairs upholstered in real palm leaf and a two-piece oak coffee table, as large as a redwood’s base, inlaid with green and copper marble. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025 With Florida’s agricultural and wild lands under increasing pressure from climate change, some scientists believe that sending seeds into space potentially could help strengthen them for what’s ahead back on Florida terra firma. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2025 The pinkish-coral horizon of the morning had given way to a bright cobalt sky, and as the chopper descended after the fun ride, Ted and I were ready for terra firma, eager to sit down for lunch. John Malone, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025 Back on terra firma, Johnny and I head west, to Pinar del Río, the province on the island's westerly tip that resembles the twisted, straggly end of a rustic country cigar, like the ones rolled by its farmers. Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for terra firma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terra firma
Noun
  • Once soil health improves, many gardeners find that digging individual planting holes is sufficient for establishing crops.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Mulching your garden also helps your soil stay moist for longer.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Irrigation is crucial in an area that's primarily dry land agriculture.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Another, says Lentsch, was when the Wyoming state senate almost passed SJ2, a bill seeking to transfer all federal land in Wyoming to the state for the purpose of selling it off.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Harrison Bader and Patrick Bailey drew back-to-back walks to begin the sixth, then Willy Adames plated the Giants’ first run with a one-out ground-rule double.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Those who fly the small, lightweight aircraft of different stripes were restricted for nearly four years from accessing the airport by ground and taking off in their ultralights.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The burial proceeded and the casket was covered with earth.
    Jennie Key, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The show follows the airbender Aang, who can control air, water, earth and fire, as the Avatar.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Terra firma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terra%20firma. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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