desert 1 of 4

as in barren
land that is uninhabited or not fit for crops we were lost in the desert for days without food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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desert

2 of 4

noun (2)

desert

3 of 4

verb

desert

4 of 4

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb desert contrast with its synonyms?

The words abandon and forsake are common synonyms of desert. While all three words mean "to leave without intending to return," desert implies that the object left may be weakened but not destroyed by one's absence.

a deserted town

Where would abandon be a reasonable alternative to desert?

The words abandon and desert can be used in similar contexts, but abandon suggests that the thing or person left may be helpless without protection.

abandoned children

When would forsake be a good substitute for desert?

The meanings of forsake and desert largely overlap; however, forsake suggests an action more likely to bring impoverishment or bereavement to that which is forsaken than its exposure to physical dangers.

a forsaken lover

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 desert
Noun
The South Coast Air Basin includes Orange County and non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025 The temporary ban applies to areas within the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Orange County and non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to a news release from the agency. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2022
Verb
Click here for more photos of the California high-desert retreat. Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 The image, taken by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) instrument on the Landsat-9 satellite, captures the geological and environmental crossroads where desert winds and glacial meltwater converge. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The story centers on a man who travels to Pontianak carrying his deceased sister’s remains, hoping to honor her dying wishes while tracking down the father who deserted them. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 Where else but California could a burning city give way to desert isolation in mere moments? Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for desert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desert
Verb
  • As well as finding comfort on arrival, Smith is determined that those who move on do not feel abandoned.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The novel can get busy—Taylor introduces each of Wyeth’s studio mates in the first chapter, then all but abandons half of them to squeeze in more significant characters—but there’s a warmth in the overcrowding.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Markus Breitenecker, chief operating officer, is leaving his post with immediate effect.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Abe was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and was assassinated in 2022 at a campaign rally, two years after leaving office.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite flowing through one of the world's most arid regions, the Hotan feeds ribbons of vegetation sprouting around its banks.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Nobel Committee praised their work for enabling technologies that can separate toxic substances from wastewater and extract water vapor in arid environments.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The council had already rejected Allied once before, months earlier, over settlements — including back wages — that the company has had to pay out to current and former employees.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Teachers, students, and parents alike rejected the $850 million effort.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In warm weather, rent a paddleboard from the hotel and glide across Lake Estes, or warm up around the fire pits or in the dry sauna.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Anglers who want to keep their catch fresh on a long drive home are better served to cover fish in a dry livewell with ice.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hamas fired towards Israeli forces beyond the Yellow Line – the line behind which Israeli troops have withdrawn according to the ceasefire deal – in three separate incidents on Sunday, according to another military official.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Afghanistan withdrew from a Twenty20 international tri-series in Pakistan following the deaths of three local cricketers, which the Afghanistan Cricket Board attributed to military strikes in Paktika province.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While urban areas like Los Angeles are under mandatory drought restrictions to reduce strain on state reservoirs, many rural residents reliant on groundwater wells are waterless.
    Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, 27 Nov. 2022
  • Other eco-friendly measures include a solid waste incinerator to turn waste into non-toxic ash and a waterless urinal to reduce unnecessary usage.
    Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2022
Adjective
  • The ladies are back with a fresh start, thirsty for power.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and the same botanical oil blend as Weleda’s iconic Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, this milky mist refreshes thirsty skin during both dry winter days and long afternoons spent in stale office air.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Desert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desert. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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