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
It was followed by a two-day marathon stage with volcanic terrain that led into a field of splendid canyons, and a special bivouac without service vehicles.
—
Sue Mead, Popular Science, 13 Feb. 2025
Utility terrain vehicles, also known as side-by-sides, are multi-seat off-road vehicles used for work or play, and their use is exploding around the globe.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025
Strong returned to that terrain at HBO with Game Change, about how Alaska governor Sarah Palin upended the candidacy of John McCain in 2008.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
Being able to anchor near prime conditions maximizes your hours to explore upwards of 5,500 square miles of terrain—to which the outfit has exclusive heli-skiing access—in the Coast Range.
—Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for terrain 
Sue Mead, Popular Science, 13 Feb. 2025
Utility terrain vehicles, also known as side-by-sides, are multi-seat off-road vehicles used for work or play, and their use is exploding around the globe.
—Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025
Strong returned to that terrain at HBO with Game Change, about how Alaska governor Sarah Palin upended the candidacy of John McCain in 2008.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
Being able to anchor near prime conditions maximizes your hours to explore upwards of 5,500 square miles of terrain—to which the outfit has exclusive heli-skiing access—in the Coast Range.
—Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for terrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrain
Noun
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The offerings include a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a wellness area, gaming rooms, and a theater.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Watkins affects every facet of the game in every area of the court.—
Sabreena Merchant,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The library’s collection encompasses all of La Jolla and is divided into sections by geography and subject matter.—
Robert Vardon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
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The Aurora Police Department currently splits its efforts among different beats, which similar to Aurora City Council wards divide up the city based on geography and police calls, and these will also be considered under the study to see if changes need to be made, Rowley said.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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There’s a warmth and a patina to Alief that Navis wanted to stress as a home base, but also some genuine cowboy, Southwest aesthetic that was part of the fun of other environments Mo ends up in.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2025
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The 1920s were a boom time for L.A., an era of heady confidence in humans’ ability to reshape the natural environment.—
Jenny Jarvie,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This is barely even a faux pas in the realm of dating.—
Kelsey McKinney,
Rolling Stone,
8 Feb. 2025
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The upcoming season could set the tone for important developments and storylines that will affect both Dillon's career and Kaulig Racing's status in the competitive realm of NASCAR.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Savor Puerto Rican coffee The Cordillera Central mountain range—the only mountain range on Puerto Rico’s main island—provides the ideal climate, topography, and soil for growing outstanding coffee beans.—
Amy Gordon,
AFAR Media,
31 Jan. 2025
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And an argument certainly could be made for doing something wholly new and different, with a change in climate, topography and even time zone.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The two paintings contain few elements that might signal a tree – a concentration of lines near the center, lines that could be branches or a central trunk and lines that could indicate the ground or a horizon.—
Mitchell Newberry,
The Conversation,
11 Feb. 2025
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The 10-episode series will also add a present-day element that examines America’s obsession with true crime.—
Rick Porter,
The Hollywood Reporter,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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What Happens Next The accusations and their fallout could shape the Republican primary landscape in South Carolina.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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As a result, the legal landscape surrounding copyright and AI is in flux.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The atmosphere was electric, set to the rhythm of classic R&B hits spun by Abby the DJ, creating an inviting, soulful energy that filled the space.—
Lyric Christian,
Essence,
7 Feb. 2025
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And in 2013, a 20-meter-wide (66-foot-wide) asteroid entered Earth’s atmosphere over Chelyabinsk, Russia.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrain. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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