wilderness

Definition of wildernessnext
as in wild
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation released the wolf back into the wilderness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 wilderness If that were the case — if Republicans could add South Texas to their existing strength in places like the Piney Woods, the Panhandle and the High Plains — Democrats could face decades more in the political wilderness. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026 In an era of comfort, ease, and predictability, there is something deeply satisfying about braving the elements and earning your turns in untamed wilderness. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026 Herzog takes what could be a standard National Geographic wilderness film and infuses it with deep moral questions about our search for meaning in the unknown. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026 At Notre Dame, Holtz led the program out of the wilderness of the Gerry Faust era, leaning into the school’s traditions while pushing them forward. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wilderness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wilderness
Noun
  • Today, the small wild-roaming herds are often viewed as a symbol of resilience and wisdom.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026
  • In the desert wilds of its native Mexico, old man cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) grows to 20 feet tall and lives up to 200 years.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The unusual summer-like heat will extend over most of the state and the American Southwest, with some desert regions likely to experience their earliest 100-degree day of the year on record, according to the weather service.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • For years now, that’s pretty much what has been happening in the section of hip-hop’s underground that treats Whole Lotta Red like a sacred text—just replace the Western desert with Discord chats.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The workers in Mississippi often voice the same complaints that many South Africans have about their country, such as its sluggish economy and widespread crime.
    Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • His vow to keep up attacks on other Arab countries in the region and plans to choke off the world's oil supply were headlines.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • His experiences here helped forge his passion for the outdoors and conservation, spurring him to use his presidential influence to establish the United States Forest Service, 150 national forests, and five national parks.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The outdoors tends to strip things down—ego, distraction, noise.
    Outside, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wilderness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wilderness. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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