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
-
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a soft robotic skin that allows vine-like robots just a few millimeters wide to navigate tight and fragile environments.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
-
But the fact that the Hoosiers could go into a raucous environment like Autzen Stadium and beat the Ducks by double digits without their quarterback being a superhero says a lot about their overall talent level.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The logistics are the realm of Gary Douglas, the academy’s head of operations.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The cycle marches on, unaware of, though not untouched by, the joys and the tragedies of the human realm.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
15 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
-
The structure is covered with flat planes of shades of white and gray, while the occasional architectural elements painted in a primary color stand out noticeably.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
15 Oct. 2025
-
And Kate Middleton’s outfit during a surprise visit to Northern Ireland includes all of those elements and more.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
15 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 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share