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
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 terrain
It's made with deep five-millimeter lugs that are seriously grippy on all kinds of terrain from mud to rocks, and its special midsole absorbs a ton of impact to keep your feet pain-free and without fatigue for as long as possible.
—
Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
The letter-like shape marks where sunlight glances off the rim of the Ukart crater, along with other pieces of broken terrain and small impact sites.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 May 2026
The heavy rains will likely trigger rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in steep terrain, especially in and around these areas.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2026
This also allows the turret to turn 360° and fire at any angle of elevation, even on sloping terrain.
—David Szondy
may 23, New Atlas, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
The letter-like shape marks where sunlight glances off the rim of the Ukart crater, along with other pieces of broken terrain and small impact sites.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 May 2026
The heavy rains will likely trigger rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in steep terrain, especially in and around these areas.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2026
This also allows the turret to turn 360° and fire at any angle of elevation, even on sloping terrain.
—David Szondy
may 23, New Atlas, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
The corridors and common areas are almost as memorable as the guest rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
-
Her shelves contained books on correct etiquette when entertaining (How to Do It, or, The Lively Art of Entertaining by Elsa Maxwell) and instructional books covering many areas of life, ranging from gardening and raising Siamese cats to keeping turtles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Travel patterns are evolving based on favorable geography.—
Hannah Seligson,
Vanity Fair,
23 May 2026
-
One of the biggest surprises for some taxpayers is how much geography matters.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
The idea to create a docu-fiction where a character is inserted into real-life environments to interact with unsuspecting locals came to Ribeiro after spending long periods of time in El Paso as a journalist covering immigration.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
-
Jennie Durant is a writer and researcher focused on bees, agriculture, and the environment.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Leo Woodall may be journeying to fantastical locales with his foray into Middle-earth, but his casting in the continuation of The Lord of the Rings saga is planted firmly in the realm of reality.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
25 May 2026
-
That’s a realm the film itself dives into for extended, immersive and blearily entrancing interludes — a gateway into its eventual, more drastic breakdown of rational reality, controlled by one player’s will.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
The department found that the discharges can have harmful impacts on marine life, the loss of underwater grasses, topography changes and disruptions to habitats.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
-
Brazilian artist Claudia Vieira’s large-scale, continuous-line mural stretches across the exterior wall like a looping topography of movement and memory.—
Olga Garcia-Mayoral,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
This last element is worth unpacking a bit.—
Ian Mackenzie,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
-
Diamonds are in my DNA, and unexpected design elements and object detailing are central to my work.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Expansive windows and view-facing gathering spaces were designed to keep the landscape in the foreground, from morning light across the water to sunset color washing over the hills.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
-
There’s so much diversity in terms of landscapes and different industries.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Ship began its reentry to Earth's atmosphere about 50 minutes into the flight, falling as its belly became engulfed in a bright plasma.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
23 May 2026
-
Just five minutes into the contest, the Spurs held a commanding 19-4 advantage as the home crowd created a raucous atmosphere.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
