subterranean

adjective

sub·ter·ra·nean | \ ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən ,

-nyən \

variants: or less commonly subterraneous \ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-əs,

-nyəs \

Definition of subterranean

1 : being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth

2 : existing or working in secret : hidden a subterranean network of criminals

Other Words from subterranean Synonyms & Antonyms Go Underground With subterranean More Example Sentences Learn More about subterranean

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Synonyms & Antonyms for subterranean

Synonyms

belowground, subsurface, underground

Antonyms

aboveground, surface

Examples of subterranean in a Sentence

a subterranean bunker that supposedly could withstand even an atomic blast

Recent Examples on the Web

The sale is further complicated because the building is connected to critical subterranean Metro infrastructure. — Martine Powers, Washington Post, "Metro seeks buyer for downtown D.C. headquarters," 12 July 2018 The Indiana Cave Trail encourages visitors to hit all four of these experiences from the mile-long-plus subterranean boat ride in Bluespring Cavern to the stunning stalcites and stalagmites of Marengo Cave. — Sarah Bahr, Indianapolis Star, "Ultimate Indiana bucket list: 50+ things to do in Indianapolis and around the state," 11 July 2018 To remove iron from the subterranean realms was to tempt the spirit world, so the first miners conducted rituals to placate the higher powers before digging out the ore, according to the 1956 book The Forge and the Crucible. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "The Entire History of Steel," 9 July 2018 Potomac Theater Project arrives back in New York for its latest subterranean season. — Alexis Soloski, New York Times, "10 Plays and Musicals to Go to in N.Y.C. This Weekend," 5 July 2018 Dubbed Hacienda de la Paz, the home has a spa, a lap pool and a tennis court whose walls are decorated with trompe l’oeil paintings — all of it indoors and subterranean. — latimes.com, "Today: The Travel Ban and the Echoes of a 1944 Case," 27 June 2018 How does one guide a dozen children through miles of subterranean passageways, including lengthy underwater channels, largely in the dark, when many of them can’t swim? — John Ismay, New York Times, "Why the Thailand Cave Rescue Was So Difficult: A Diver Explains," 10 July 2018 The drama illustrates the potential complexities of cave rescue, and stirs memories of subterranean calamities closer to home. — John Keilman, chicagotribune.com, "As Thailand cave crisis continues, Midwestern cavers reflect on the risks of going subterranean," 6 July 2018 Black Lake,’ which has brilliant string arrangements and these subterranean drums. — Shaun Brady, Philly.com, "This University of the Arts grad has a pentagram tattooed on his face. He's also one of the most inventive singers working today," 25 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subterranean.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.