subsurface

1 of 2

noun

sub·​sur·​face ˈsəb-ˌsər-fəs 

: earth material (such as rock) near but not exposed at the surface of the ground

subsurface

2 of 2

adjective

sub·​sur·​face ˌsəb-ˈsər-fəs 

: of, relating to, or being something located beneath a surface and especially underground

Synonyms of subsurface

Adjective

• underground
• subterranean

Examples of subsurface in a Sentence

Adjective

a sandy wasteland that gave little hint of its subsurface wealth

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At the potential sites identified by Campbell’s model, field researchers would need to analyze the geology of the subsurface and measure the amount and flow of the groundwater. — Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026

Essentially a portable acoustic expert, SensorMAX continuously processes spectral energy profiles and data from up to eight subsurface sonobuoys simultaneously – doubling the feed capacity of legacy systems. — David Szondy august 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Unlike surface waves that break at the coast, these are subsurface shifts in ocean heat that move across thousands of miles. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 June 2026

An entire ocean’s worth is unlikely, but a significant amount of subsurface water isn’t. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1775, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subsurface

• resurface
• hypersurface
• undersurface
• surface