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
Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in areas with high or extreme avalanche danger, officials said in the news release.
—
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
By contrast, in longer endurance races like the Patrouille Des Glaciers, teams of three travel roughly 35 miles over steep, complicated, avalanche-prone terrain.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
Rock and mud slides are possible near steep terrain, and debris flows are possible on burn scars.
—Staff, Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
More than 341,417 acres of rugged mountain terrain burned across three counties in northern New Mexico between early April and late June in 2022.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
By contrast, in longer endurance races like the Patrouille Des Glaciers, teams of three travel roughly 35 miles over steep, complicated, avalanche-prone terrain.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
Rock and mud slides are possible near steep terrain, and debris flows are possible on burn scars.
—Staff, Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
More than 341,417 acres of rugged mountain terrain burned across three counties in northern New Mexico between early April and late June in 2022.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
AccuWeather forecasters warned that the risk of thunderstorms in northern portions of the Central Valley, along with coastal Southern California, could trigger flash flooding and tornadoes in some areas.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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The 30-year-old Somali American, who also co-owns a Mediterranean restaurant in the same area experiencing similar economic tribulations, described his coffee shops as local melting pots for Muslims and non-Muslims, East Africans and White people.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Our current trajectory is to scale these metal recovery facilities in different geographies of the US, particularly areas of concentrated solar installations.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The difference lies in species and geography, Midway said.—
Meg Tanaka,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Kamara was removed from the post late last year, accused by the environment minister of failing to address the encroachment.—
ED DAVEY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Moreover, the philosophy of the brand is to create clothing that adapts to diverse environments and provides long-lasting comfort and caters to the needs of creators, engineers, designers and other forward-thinking professionals.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The conclusion that emerges is that transatlantic slavery was foundational, and known to be so, during the westward expansion of the British royal realm.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
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There’s a wonderful landscape to wander through in that realm of what’s over here.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
To further analyze them, the researchers used electron microscopy, which provided precise information on how these elements were distributed within the electrode and on its surface topography.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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Over time, surrounding landscapes have lowered as limestone dissolved, giving the park its dramatic sinkholes and unique topography.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
One missing element was what would be left behind after the cuts.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Other varieties provide additional design elements such as interesting bark, colorful fruits, and fabulous fall foliage to enhance the garden all year long.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Exploring different lunar regions with the Artemis program could provide a more complete portrait of the landscape and its composition, and uncover clues on why the moon’s near and far sides differ, how much water the moon contains and how the silvery orb has evolved over time.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Within this landscape, the Paiza Collection occupies an exalted tier of its own.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
What wasn’t part of the plan was for it to be done amid such a somber atmosphere.—
Dean Spiros,
Twin Cities,
22 Feb. 2026
-
For families Casa Cody caters to kids of all ages with its plethora of onsite amenities (most notably, the edible citrus trees and expansive grassy lawns), selection of pools, and laidback-luxe atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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