terrain

noun

tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrain (audio)
Definition of terrainnext
1
as in area
a region of activity, knowledge, or influence we're moving into unfamiliar terrain if we bring pre-Columbian art into our discussion

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2
as in geography
the physical features of a region as a whole an analysis of the terrain revealed that an invasion force of paratroopers would have their work cut out for them

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3
as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded a new senator getting lost in the foggy terrain of double-dealing and deception

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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 terrain The structure leans heavily on concrete, steel and glass, but it’s warmed by wood, basalt and marble finishes and by the way the house frames the surrounding terrain. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 Gerald Guinn, of Kanab, Utah, was found July 22 after spending about a day and a half in rugged terrain. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 July 2026 Its mix of cascading waterfalls, misty cloud forests, volcanic terrain and remote mountain landscapes gives productions access to a wide range of visual worlds within a reduced area. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026 Five pockets provide ample room to stash your phone, wallet, snacks, a trail map, and other small essentials, with two zippered pockets offering more secure storage for uneven terrain. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
  1. area
  2. geography
  3. environment
  4. realm
  5. topography
  6. atmosphere
  7. element
  8. landscape
Noun
  • This area is designated a blue zone because of its high percentage of residents aged 90 and older, a statistic that has remained consistent over the past 150 years.
    — Refractor, Refractor, 27 July 2026
  • Firefighters in France and Spain are battling to control wildfires which have raged for days in the areas near the major cities of Bordeaux and Madrid.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Definition of area
Noun
  • The operational complexity of managing multiple carriers, channels and geographies in real time requires both the right systems and people with the authority to act on what those systems surface.
    — Nishith Rastogi, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • But some fans fear the introduction of an award defined by geography minimizes the value of artists’ work.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 29 July 2026
Definition of geography
Noun
  • Rohlfing has also pledged to strengthen core county services, including public safety, infrastructure and public works, while promoting a more business-friendly environment to attract and retain employers.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Browning and Eveland developed the educational curriculum that would provide both an understanding and hands-on experience in a friendly environment where questions are encouraged.
    — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
Definition of environment
Noun
  • Ackman has become more ideological, expanding his crusades into cultural and academic realms.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026
  • Though the song is heavily acoustic, its distorted guitar solos hail squarely from the realm of harder rock, and the artificial choirs that seep in toward the end seem to call out to the symphonic citadels of the Norwegian black metallers.
    — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
Definition of realm
Noun
  • Retaining walls needed for the topography of the site would be up to 14 feet high along the south and east boundaries and up to 17 feet high along Sunset Drive and Sky Haven.
    — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Townships, squares six miles by six miles, were the basic building blocks that were organized, where topography permitted, into square or rectangular counties.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 July 2026
Definition of topography
Noun
  • The new South Field Club, scheduled to debut before UCLA's 2026 football season, will provide premium hospitality for approximately 1,000 guests while creating a dramatic player entrance that enhances both recruiting and game-day atmosphere.
    — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • There is no set temperature at which one forms, Giannaros said; what is needed is the kind of atmosphere that breeds dry thunderstorms — very hot, very dry air near the ground, with cooler and moister air above it.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • Magnesium, on the other hand, shows much more potential, with the same quantity of water containing 2,980 kg (6,570 lb) of the element, roughly the weight of a 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty Cargo Truck … so, a lot.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
  • There’s the Targaryen element, but there’s the Hightower in him as well.
    — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of element
Noun
  • Mile after mile, the American landscape is dotted with marvelous nature, maximum kitsch and everything in between.
    — Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Located just 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Bordeaux, the peninsula offers stunning landscapes and sandy beaches as well as oyster-farming villages and upmarket resorts.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of landscape

Browse Nearby Words

terra firma
terrain
terrains
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Cite this Entry

“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on terrain

Nglish: Translation of terrain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terrain

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