Definition of plateaunext
as in mesa
a broad flat area of elevated land Native Americans have inhabited the plateau for centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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plateau

2 of 2

verb

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 plateau
Noun
China is no stranger to powerful quakes, especially in southwestern parts of the country where the Eurasian tectonic plate meets the Indian plate, a dramatic collision that creates the mighty Himalayas and the vast Tibetan plateau. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 Scott and Stauring founded the humanitarian group iACT largely to respond to the crisis in Darfur, a semi-desert plateau in western Sudan that has known nothing but war this century. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
Over 17 seasons, top-end RB scoring has come from those backs selected in the first three rounds; then elite hit rates plateau considerably. — Ben Gretch, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Production is expected to plateau at about 230,000 barrels per day, with blended crude exports emerging from separate projects by CNOOC and TotalEnergies. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plateau
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plateau
Noun
  • The scenery today, red rocks and flat mesas, could pass for Utah and our hike feels like a geologic safari with Nouri pointing out rock formations that resemble elephants and camels.
    — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • There is camping in the large campground near the entrance, but the only way to stay on the mesa is the Far View Lodge, with hotel-style rooms and a full-service restaurant.
    — R. Scott Rappold, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Rubio has argued that before holding new elections, Venezuela must stabilize its economy and rebuild its institutions, including its courts and electoral council.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The new president will need to convince investors that Brazil can stabilize its debt trajectory, said Alejo Czerwonko, a fellow at the Atlantic Council.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the highlands, people traditionally cooked with lard, Buettner said, while Bolotana residents use olive oil from ancient trees.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Even if tourism areas are operating as usual, communities near the fires in the mountain highlands are directly affected.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Only a depression in the ground remains at the Ingalls Dugout Site, but eagle-eyed visitors can still spot the spring, tablelands, thickets of plum trees, and other landmarksr described in the book of the same name.
    — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026
  • Pedro Cervantes painted jewellike vistas of New Mexico’s tablelands.
    — John P. Murphy, ARTnews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Built in the late 19 th century to transport the altiplano’s abundant metals and minerals, the railway line once ran from Bolivia’s de facto capital La Paz to the Pacific port of Antofagasta in Chile.
    — The Editors, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Tiwanaku communities first emerged in an altiplano, or high plain, of the Andes called the Titicaca Basin, named after Lake Titicaca.
    — Gina Park, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plateau.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plateau. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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