wilderness

noun

ˈwil-dər-nəs How to pronounce wilderness (audio)
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 The boat-in-only sites offer a unique overnight experience in the Adirondack wilderness. — Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 But, if land is truly allowed to return to wilderness, a natural cycle of burning will also return—one that modern society may not be willing to tolerate. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 After two years in the political wilderness, Democrats are feeling cautiously optimistic about turning the tide in the midterms. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 Kickstarting Kering After a long stretch in the wilderness, Kering is finally turning around under CEO Luca de Meo. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wilderness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wilderness
  1. wild
  2. desert
  3. country
  4. outdoors
Noun
  • Though The Next Pro hasn’t yet taken viewers out into the open wilds of Australia, Irwin doesn’t see his duties at DWTS and the Australia Zoo as mutually exclusive.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026
  • Some of this may sound a little wild.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 2026
Definition of wild
Noun
  • Number 2, because the Permian lies in a desert where freshwater is precious.
    — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • When my wife and I were planning a quick summer getaway with our two teenage daughters, heading to the desert was an easy choice.
    — Mike Avila, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of desert
Noun
  • Marina was adamant to the federal agents that her former husband could never have given secrets to another country.
    — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Our country has used science to make society safer and healthier over time, improving lives, making jobs safer, and preventing early deaths.
    — Dr. Marianne Parshley, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of country
Noun
  • Not many indoor cats like leashes or traversing the great outdoors with their person.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
  • This exercise immerses you in the outdoors and encourages you to appreciate even the smallest patches of green.
    — Jancee Dunn, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Definition of outdoors

Browse Nearby Words

wild and woolly
wilderness
wildfire
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wilderness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wilderness. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wilderness

Nglish: Translation of wilderness for Spanish Speakers

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