barrens

Definition of barrensnext
plural of barren
as in deserts
land that is uninhabited or not fit for crops lived out in the barrens where it was impossible to grow anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 barrens The forests are marked by sparse conifer stands, woodlands, herbaceous vegetation, and unvegetated barrens that dominate the transition to Arctic tundra. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Feb. 2026 The population surge caused widespread urchin barrens across the islands. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025 Given the surrounding terrain, largely comprising volcanic barrens and lava fields, the risk of wildfire remains low, and no life-threatening impacts have been identified. Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barrens
deserts
Noun
  • California has no shortage of stunning national parks, from the crystal-blue waters of Channel Islands National Park to the gorgeous deserts of Joshua Tree National Park.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The regions of the country that will likely have the best overall weather conditions for the moon show will be southeast New England, much of the Florida peninsula, the northern Rockies, the Southwest deserts, Nevada, and most of California.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Barrens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barrens. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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