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
Located in the Cotswolds, the terrain doesn't always lend itself to easy gardening, but O’Connor enjoys it all the same.
—
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2026
Grand Canyon’s rim-to-river routes can be deceptive because the steepest physical test comes on the way out, after hikers have descended into hotter terrain, experts say.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Firefighters contended with steep, rugged terrain Tuesday as crews prepared for red flag conditions from Wednesday morning through Thursday night.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026
Steep grades, uneven terrain, large acreage, and complex multi-zone yards have largely been left to the homeowner and their weekend.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2026
Grand Canyon’s rim-to-river routes can be deceptive because the steepest physical test comes on the way out, after hikers have descended into hotter terrain, experts say.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Firefighters contended with steep, rugged terrain Tuesday as crews prepared for red flag conditions from Wednesday morning through Thursday night.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026
Steep grades, uneven terrain, large acreage, and complex multi-zone yards have largely been left to the homeowner and their weekend.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
There's a sofa bed in the seating area, as well as a desk.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
-
In camp, keep your sleeping area, cooking area and food storage area separate.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
One of the world’s most durable and amicable alliances — born of geography, heritage and centuries of common interests — is broken, as seen in several recent examples of tension between leaders.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
-
Banff World Media Festival-goers are used to unpredictable Canadian Rockies weather, where drizzling rain can become snow showers and then balmy sunshine over a single day due to geography and elevation.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
This is the latest edition of Boiling Point, a newsletter about climate change and the environment in the American West.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
From Lowell to Los Angeles, there are coast to coast concerns about what these data centers can do to the environment.—
David Wade,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
In addition to digital distractions, the show's hosts have paused to address a variety of phenomena both from this realm and, seemingly, the paranormal sector.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
-
Her Taurus moon also occupies her 12th house, an area of the birth chart associated with spirituality, secrecy and subconscious realms.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
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.—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
11 June 2026
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Topics range from managing a property to applying fire science, addressing topography concerns and using evacuation readiness tools such as phone alerts, Dioli said.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
On Saturday, with Levi's Stadium hosting the match between Switzerland and Paraguay, fans gathered at locations in San Jose to watch the game in a party-like atmosphere.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
-
Meanwhile, May and September bring quieter days without sacrificing much in the way of access or atmosphere.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
There's so many elements to that.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
-
Historic elements of the former hotel remain today, including a grand piano and white stone, spiral staircase that rises up to the second-floor banquet rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Now, an inquiry into why a B-52 Stratofortress crashed Monday shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Fore Base, killing eight, is renewing questions about the 70-year-old planes, their purpose in the rapidly modernizing military landscape and their future.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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As the landscape has grown more competitive, some changes have actually been driven by the studios’ live-action divisions.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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