Definition of terra firmanext
as in soil
the solid part of our planet's surface as distinguished from the sea and air after that nightmarish storm, the sailors were grateful to reach terra firma

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 terra firma Yet the sensation of a work that, in translation from one medium to another, no longer defies gravity but sort of roughly plummets back down to terra firma can’t easily be shaken off. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2025 That’s a bold way for a singer who hasn’t been known primarily for being in the theater arena that long to start off with — maybe too bold, in declaring that Streisand’s turf is her terra firma, too. Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025 Some feature suspension bridges that cross chasms or waterfalls, and others end with a zip line back to terra firma. AFAR Media, 30 Sep. 2025 In the main salon, terra firma appears in dining chairs upholstered in real palm leaf and a two-piece oak coffee table, as large as a redwood’s base, inlaid with green and copper marble. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terra firma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terra firma
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the unceasing churn of clothing, footwear and accessories depletes soils, poisons the water, pollutes the air, drives deforestation, accelerates biodiversity loss and generates runaway planet-warming emissions that undermine brands’ lofty environmental ambitions.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
  • Felton Road is located in the Bannockburn subregion of Central Otago and grows grapes in four vineyards planted on north-facing slopes comprised of glacial soils.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • His worst deed was to destroy USAID, the Agency for International Development, which had been our main civilian instrument for fostering survival, hope and democracy in foreign lands.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
  • Most families keep some of the liquid for houseplants or gardening, but most of it goes to land conservation partners to be used as fertilizer, said founder and CEO Emily Nelson.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Construction in the Arizona desert damaged an enormous Indigenous ground etching resembling a fish that is thought to be at least 1,000 years old.
    Jake Spring, Washington Post, 1 May 2026
  • Outside posts have a cleaner path early but can lose ground on turns since wider turns require horses to cover more distance.
    Neil Greenberg, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Who on earth would want updates on products from a dermatology center?
    Emma Rathbone, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • There will be a view of the river from the commons and interior wall graphics will illustrate the theme of the design, which incorporates the concepts of earth, air, water and fire.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Terra firma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terra%20firma. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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