Definition of terra firmanext
as in soil
the solid part of our planet's surface as distinguished from the sea and air after that nightmarish storm, the sailors were grateful to reach terra firma

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 terra firma In the main salon, terra firma appears in dining chairs upholstered in real palm leaf and a two-piece oak coffee table, as large as a redwood’s base, inlaid with green and copper marble. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025 With Florida’s agricultural and wild lands under increasing pressure from climate change, some scientists believe that sending seeds into space potentially could help strengthen them for what’s ahead back on Florida terra firma. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2025 The pinkish-coral horizon of the morning had given way to a bright cobalt sky, and as the chopper descended after the fun ride, Ted and I were ready for terra firma, eager to sit down for lunch. John Malone, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025 Back on terra firma, Johnny and I head west, to Pinar del Río, the province on the island's westerly tip that resembles the twisted, straggly end of a rustic country cigar, like the ones rolled by its farmers. Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for terra firma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terra firma
Noun
  • Lunar rocks and soil offered novel insights into the moon’s origin and composition, and more recent analysis of previously untouched Apollo samples, as well as samples retrieved by robotic missions, revealed the surprising discovery of water trapped in rocks thought to be bone-dry.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Our team of a half dozen volunteers worked for a little over an hour, amazed at the size of these starchy beasts in the earthy soil.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Former owner Frank Tysen bought the hotel in 1987 and expanded the hotel’s footprint as neighboring land became available.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The company has engaged defense forces beyond Australia as interest in autonomous land systems accelerates.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • After a brief stint as an empty lot-cum-parking lot, the property was slated to become an Andaz Hotel, breaking ground around 2015 and then fizzling out a few years later.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Hush on the ski slopes With a dormitory and classroom building steps from chair lifts rising into Sugar Bowl’s 1,600 skiable acres of steep chutes, skiable bowls and glade tree skiing, the Academy is a training ground for skilled mountain athletes.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • These geological formations are abundant in parts of Iowa that sit on top of the Midcontinent Rift — an event from more than one billion years ago when North America attempted to split apart and large amounts of lava seeped from the earth.
    Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Literally the sweetest, loving person on this earth.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terra firma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terra%20firma. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!