subsurface

adjective

ˌsəb-ˈsər-fəs How to pronounce subsurface (audio)
Definition of subsurfacenext
as in underground
being, situated, or operating beneath the surface of the earth a sandy wasteland that gave little hint of its subsurface wealth

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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 subsurface Evaluation protocols of subsurface measurements and training of all rig site personnel have improved the drilling economics of this geothermal project. — Ian Palmer, Forbes, 19 May 2022 Shallow pools of subsurface water froze and fractured the surface again and again. — Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 22 Apr. 2022 This is an important scientific mission tasked with searching for ice at the south pole and using a one-meter drill to prospect for subsurface samples. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 20 Apr. 2022 So Marco Mastrogiuseppe, a researcher on the Cassini team who had used instruments like RADAR to map subsurface water on Mars, decided to try something. — Liz Kruesi, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2015 See All Example Sentences for subsurface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subsurface
  1. underground
  2. subterranean
Adjective
  • The dehumanization of Black people represented by the persistence of Confederate iconography in mainstream culture became an underground signifier of the precariousness of the freedoms enshrined by the 14th Amendment.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Much has been written about the sprawling compounds of tech titans like Mark Zuckerberg, whose 1,400-acre Kauai property includes plans for a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter.
    — Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of underground
Adjective
  • The atmosphere is dark and subterranean, a Batcave of wellness.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • However, the price does account for an 875-square-foot subterranean addition installed in 2021, as well as a pool and cabin tacked onto the land in 2020.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of subterranean

Browse Nearby Words

subsuming
subsurface
subteen
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Cite this Entry

“Subsurface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subsurface. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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