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
The terrain is fairly flat and almost every street has bike lanes or wide sidewalks.
—
Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
Chinese state media said the robots can navigate difficult terrain and operate as stable mobile weapons platforms resistant to recoil and blast impacts.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Nepal experiences relatively frequent plane crashes as its mountainous terrain and variable weather make flying conditions difficult.
—ABC News, 10 May 2026
The search operation, involving more than 100 personnel supported by drones, resumed early Saturday, focusing on a 7,500-square-foot area where clues were found during earlier searches, despite hazardous terrain and continuing eruptions, according to Ramdani.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
Chinese state media said the robots can navigate difficult terrain and operate as stable mobile weapons platforms resistant to recoil and blast impacts.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Nepal experiences relatively frequent plane crashes as its mountainous terrain and variable weather make flying conditions difficult.
—ABC News, 10 May 2026
The search operation, involving more than 100 personnel supported by drones, resumed early Saturday, focusing on a 7,500-square-foot area where clues were found during earlier searches, despite hazardous terrain and continuing eruptions, according to Ramdani.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
-
Likewise, in building communities, there must be a priority on preserving green spaces, creating walkable neighborhoods to reduce traffic and car emissions, intentionally designating areas for wildlife habitats, and prioritizing quality of life through parks, trails, and conservation areas.—
Sammy Duda,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
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The mayor of the Los Angeles-area city of Arcadia will plead guilty to illegally acting as an agent of China and has resigned from her municipal position, officials said Monday.—
Andrew Blankstein,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Memphis residents will soon share districts with Republican towns with starkly different economies, geographies and demographics.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
-
Virginia's small towns offer something for everyone, in part due to the state's diverse geography.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Even without federal limits on chemicals like PFAS, states have the authority to protect public health and the environment.—
DYLAN JACKSON,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
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Many people are interested in exploiting our land, destroying the environment for many while lining the pockets of the few.—
Thomas Patier,
Artforum,
6 May 2026
Noun
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That’s not a question that most of us who work outside the realm of entertainment are used to hearing.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
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On the unscripted ledger, Peacock is entering the vertical video realm with a pair of shows featuring Bravo talent (or their offspring).—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Tiburon is famously steep and view-driven, and the home is positioned to turn that topography into theater.—
David Caraccio
May 11,
Sacbee.com,
11 May 2026
-
The rugged topography of Northern Italy provided the stunning backdrop during the second and third drive days.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
11 May 2026
Noun
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And the other really important element in this is, of course, the connection between Israel and the Jewish people.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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There's a gut-punching element of tragedy, too, as Loki kills his real father, Laufey (Colm Feore), then appears to plummet to his own death in the final act.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
6 May 2026
Noun
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In Colorado, with its extreme weather swings, aging homes, and rising insurance landscape, that advice carries extra weight.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
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The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Noun
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In Spain, wildfires could create a smoky atmosphere, reducing clarity (as happened in summer 2025).—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
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The red mahogany booths, beige popcorn ceilings and the huge circular ceiling vents all lend to the throwback atmosphere.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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