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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Taiwan's rugged terrain limits the number of beaches on which an invading PLA invasion source would be feasible, and these barges could deposit heavy vehicles beyond these beaches and directly onto coastal roads.
—
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
For an all-terrain option, the Columbia Men's Fairbanks Mid Hiking Boot, $74 (originally $110), gives stability and protection without weighing you down.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
They’re also outfitted with a durable non-slip sole whose ridged design provides traction on all sorts of terrains.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
To avoid their fiercer relatives, black bears opted for harsher terrain and a more varied diet, less dependent on the meat consumed and locations frequented by brown bears.
—Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
For an all-terrain option, the Columbia Men's Fairbanks Mid Hiking Boot, $74 (originally $110), gives stability and protection without weighing you down.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
They’re also outfitted with a durable non-slip sole whose ridged design provides traction on all sorts of terrains.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
To avoid their fiercer relatives, black bears opted for harsher terrain and a more varied diet, less dependent on the meat consumed and locations frequented by brown bears.
—Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Here’s the Week 8 schedule for Fort Worth-area high school football teams.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Home to 44 countries, each with its own culture, geography, language, traditions, and cuisine, Europe is one of the world’s most popular continents to visit and a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2025
-
English clubs have retained their identity, their geography and, less glamorously, their financial stability and earning power by owning their own grounds outright (with the exception of West Ham, whose fans are the unhappiest at their team’s new home).—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This support also ensures that Kids Planet has high employee retention rates, which Roberts says is valuable in a nursery environment where parents and children value consistency in their carers.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
-
This begins with creating a family environment that allows all family members to express the full spectrum of human emotion, placing particular importance on caring, cooperation, and curiosity.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Thus, the scheme of thoughtfully layered illumination, including the pair of Grand Central Terminal–worthy pendants in the kitchen (each weighing in the realm of 60 pounds), plaster sconces, custom lampshades, and Deschanel’s beloved Murano chandeliers.—
Catherine Hong,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The plot, about a former programmer battling an artificial intelligence run amuck in a computer-network realm, was borderline incomprehensible.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Due to the topography of these regions, the populations are often fragmented and persisted with small, stable populations over long periods of time, the researchers said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The opening image somersaults backward twice before settling quietly just over the surface of an undisturbed reservoir, then submerging to reveal digital animation of its underwater topography.—
Anne Reeve,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This matters not least because high levels of trust in leadership are rewarded with higher levels of discretionary effort and agility, key elements of success for any business.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The film weaves together comedic and dramatic elements while examining the tension between personal identity and familial expectations.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The landscapes feel plucked from an epic poem, and centuries of battles, folklore, and ancient clans set the tone for a vibrant culture steeped in history.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The future Ultimately, the changing landscape and evolving relationship between networks and streamers is about futureproofing.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, Manitoba’s clean hydroelectric grid provides abundant renewable energy, which is essential for powering technology to pull CO₂ from the atmosphere without creating additional emissions in the process, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The menu exudes exquisite flavors, and whether you’re seated in the living room, the galley or on the terrace, the atmosphere is that of a dear friend’s home.—
Kristen Tribe,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share