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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of terrain
The wind, fires and terrain filled with bone-dry vegetation from lack of rain in the area had formed a perfect storm for the disaster, Crowl said.
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Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025
The current warning was issued because forecasters expect strong winds and low humidity to hit terrain that’s unusually dry due to a lack of rain.
—Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
The quake was so strong that part of the terrain at and around the epicenter slipped as much as 5.2 feet over a distance of 50 miles, according to an analysis by the United States Geological Survey.
—Reuters, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025
There doesn’t seem to be any obstacle, terrain or weather conditions that would slow the Basecamp down.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrain 
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025
The current warning was issued because forecasters expect strong winds and low humidity to hit terrain that’s unusually dry due to a lack of rain.
—Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
The quake was so strong that part of the terrain at and around the epicenter slipped as much as 5.2 feet over a distance of 50 miles, according to an analysis by the United States Geological Survey.
—Reuters, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025
There doesn’t seem to be any obstacle, terrain or weather conditions that would slow the Basecamp down.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
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Times staff across the metropolitan area — from Long Beach to Echo Park and beyond — received the alert, which did not appear to discriminate by distance from any particular fire.Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
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The centers have become refuges for many whose lives have been upended by the unprecedented fires that continue to ravage the Los Angeles area.Angela Yang, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Soils and Geology of Temecula Valley The unique geography and geology of Temecula Valley play a significant role in shaping the region’s terroir.Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
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Editor’s picks The geography of the Pacific Palisades caused another difficulty in efforts to combat the flames: its hilly landscape covers elevations from sea level up to 1,500 feet, and water pressure in those higher places fell as the tanks were used up.Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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While the rest of the globe frantically fetishized growth targets, Bhutan shunned opportunities to monetize its considerable natural resources—including lumber, coal, and minerals—that would have come at the expense of the environment.By Charlie Campbell/Gelephu, Bhutan, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
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McDonald's and Meta, among other companies, have cited the legal environment as the basis for DEI policy changes.Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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With Eraserhead, Elephant Man and Dune to his credit, Mr. Lynch had already established his beachhead inside the realm of the bizarre, but this latest venture takes him a lot further.Stephen Galloway, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025
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At the very least, the technology shows a rudimentary robot dance partner is within the realm of possibility.Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Justin Rose grilled Armstrong on the exact topography of TGL’s greens, looking for literal edges.Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025
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While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, the canyon’s thick vegetation and difficult topography didn’t help matters.Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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On electric ovens, the ineffective heating could come down to a faulty heating element, which is pretty easy to replace yourself.Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Jan. 2025
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Bird Rock Elementary: As part of a year-long initiative, Bird Rock is emphasizing the school’s core values through morning announcements, curriculum elements and monthly assemblies.Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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McDonald’s leaders were attuned to the shifting legal, regulatory and public opinion landscape surrounding DEI policies long before Starbuck came calling.Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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Current funding landscape Investments from private companies globally have increased – these will likely continue to be an important factor driving fusion research forward.Farhat Beg, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The researchers suggest that these white lights arise due to a combination of heating in the ionosphere due to the surrounding aurora, as well as the chemiluminescence of some other gases in the atmosphere, possibly nitrogen dioxide.Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
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Fire tornadoes occur when intense wind combines with conditions in the atmosphere to produce clouds of smoke that reach 20,000 to 40,000 feet, Swain said.Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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