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
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Recent Examples of terrain
Even in rough terrain, the shell and tongue didn’t beat my shins to a pulp.
—
Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
The forecast calls for around 1 to 2 inches near Flagstaff, with higher amounts possible in surrounding terrain including the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Where the ponderous fire-roads invited a slow, deliberate pace to space our kidneys, the combination of hilly terrain and a slick surface demanded a more extemporaneous approach to conserving momentum.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 22 Jan. 2026
Skywalkers provides a look at the unexpected challenges to technical climbing, which will be helpful to understand what Honnold faces with a skyscraper rather than natural terrain.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
The forecast calls for around 1 to 2 inches near Flagstaff, with higher amounts possible in surrounding terrain including the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Where the ponderous fire-roads invited a slow, deliberate pace to space our kidneys, the combination of hilly terrain and a slick surface demanded a more extemporaneous approach to conserving momentum.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 22 Jan. 2026
Skywalkers provides a look at the unexpected challenges to technical climbing, which will be helpful to understand what Honnold faces with a skyscraper rather than natural terrain.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
The hearing also prompted an admission from the FAA that the air traffic control tower failed to warn the regional jet pilots of helicopter traffic in the immediate area.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
For example, the higher estimates for the infamous August 2013 East Ghoutta chemical weapons attack, which saw sarin nerve gas unleashed on an urban civilian area, are 1,500 dead.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The two men are enigmas to each other, separated by far more than just language or geography.—
Karim Sadjadpour,
The Atlantic,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Compared to nearby resorts like Alta and Deer Valley, Sundance can’t compete on snowfall or skiable terrain as a simple fact of geography and altitude, but its diverse offerings and unique atmosphere is what sets it apart.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The analysis highlights how firms that successfully integrate technology with workforce capabilities stand to gain a competitive edge, especially in complex cross-border environments.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby exchanged views on the regional security environment with Vice-Minister for Foreign Affair Takehiro Funakoshi on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.—
Alastair Gale,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His talent for pulling music out of phase, bending instruments to his will and inspiring the room into new realms really pushed Maren and me to summon fresh melodies and new stories out of our writing.—
Melinda Newman,
Billboard,
26 Jan. 2026
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Indeed, in the elevated realm of whiskey auctioneering new benchmarks are still being set in 2026.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In the course of sixteen months, from 1914 to 1915, the Routledges and their crew crisscrossed the island on horseback, worked closely with an influential islander named Tepano Ramo a Veriamo, and produced a pioneering survey of Rapa Nui’s topography and monuments.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
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Yorgason noted that there would be an open grassy area just shy of 2 acres, and that the Foothills’ topography did not allow for a site big enough for a full soccer field.—
Rose Evans
January 24,
Idaho Statesman,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Reality shows already showcase a dozen desperate people struggling against the elements and each other.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
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The app is being developed by a very small team, and may include a biometric identity recognition element.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Lovers of the natural world will find ample opportunities to become immersed in the landscape.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
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The Duster was the perfect companion, building confidence behind the wheel, helping turn a harsh landscape into something navigable and genuinely fun.—
Fergus Scholes,
TheWeek,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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One approach to addressing casualty risks is to design spacecraft to demise entirely, but this exacerbates the atmosphere pollution problem, said Boley.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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According to the National Weather Service, when a water droplet in a freezing atmosphere comes into contact with a nucleus, like a speck of dust or pollen, an ice crystal is formed.—
Ray Petelin,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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