as in deserts
land that is uninhabited or not fit for crops
lived out in the barrens where it was impossible to grow anything
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Recent Examples of barrens
In its place urchin barrens now carpet the seafloor; a spiny, silent landscape stripped of life.
—
Tatjana Baleta,
Time,
28 May 2026
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
Tatjana Baleta,
Time,
28 May 2026
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
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Across oceans, forests, and deserts, animals regularly interact with members of other species in ways that benefit both sides.
-
Until that changes, maternity care deserts will continue to expand — and the distance between patients and care will continue to grow.
Cite this Entry
“Barrens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barrens. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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