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
Additionally, these inland sites were 2 to 3 miles away and up a steep 230-foot cliff from where the whale bones would be harvested, meaning that ancient humans would have to transport the bones across long and difficult terrain.
—
Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2025
Five-inch-diameter, off-road-capable wheels made navigating rough terrain manageable.
—Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
Your Immediate Environment This is the terrain directly around you—your team, department and closest colleagues.
—John Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adam lives in a small town in the French-speaking province, a terrain that’s relatively picturesque although the main road snakes through an area that’s clearly seen some serious industrial abuse, leaving the ground devoid of all plant life.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2025
Five-inch-diameter, off-road-capable wheels made navigating rough terrain manageable.
—Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
Your Immediate Environment This is the terrain directly around you—your team, department and closest colleagues.
—John Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adam lives in a small town in the French-speaking province, a terrain that’s relatively picturesque although the main road snakes through an area that’s clearly seen some serious industrial abuse, leaving the ground devoid of all plant life.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
On Sunday morning, the area around 13500 Palm Ave. remained an active crime scene.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
-
Both have a snack bar, restrooms, and shaded eating areas.—
Rachel Chang,
AFAR Media,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Ahmed is one of 29 new fellows chosen by the Bush Foundation for their work in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
3 June 2025
-
Yet, because of fate, history, and the accidents of geography, the most significant forces that shaped modern Zimbabwe and its predecessor, Southern Rhodesia, came from across the frontier.—
Percy Zvomuya,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
But keep them out of direct light because in their native environments, they’re sheltered under the canopy of the trees.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
-
Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages conscious consumerism amplifies this positive impact, creating a ripple effect that promotes a sustainable and responsible organization.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
More definitively, the company has made significant progress across the realms of healthcare delivery and life sciences through use-cases such as advancing protein structure prediction models, optimizing medical imaging LLMs and even progressing with VR technology.—
Dr. Sai Balasubramanian,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
In that realm, the Padres have fared very well, not just this year but since 2021.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
That points to meteorology also being a factor: Certain times of year could potentially have more impact than others as weather conditions shift, with wind shears, temperature gradients, and topography, for instance, potentially affecting the propagation of sonic booms.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2025
-
That gentle topography means quick hops to studios along Pico, red-carpet premieres on Hollywood Boulevard, late dinners on Rodeo Drive.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Staking peonies with peony cages offers the plant support and keeps it upright even through the elements.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 May 2025
-
Welcome to Sliders, a weekly in-season MLB column that focuses on both the timely and timeless elements of baseball.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Electric Forest, Michigan’s notable electronic and jam band festival, has also seen a slowdown in sales, igniting more concern over the landscape overall.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
-
The evening news landscape remains highly competitive, as networks trumpet any spike in viewership or indication of movement.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Game 3 is back in Sunrise Monday, and if Game 2’s Panthers watch party was any preview, expect a wild atmosphere.—
Adam Beasley,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
-
Ultimately, professor Bayram says, the Gaziantep baklava known today was shaped by the local ingredients, the atmosphere and climate of the city — and by local chefs who were consumed with perfecting the recipe and passed that obsession along to their apprentices.—
Fatma Tanis,
NPR,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share