SUBTERRANEAN Synonyms: 5 Similar and Opposite Words

subterranean

adjective

ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən

Definition of subterranean

as in underground

being, situated, or operating beneath the surface of the earth a subterranean bunker that supposedly could withstand even an atomic blast

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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 subterranean Art aficionados should consider The Georgian, which boasts its own gallery and hosts late-night jazz concerts and piano jams in its sultry subterranean restaurant, The Georgian Room. — Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Table service is de rigueur at Red Frog, a subterranean speakeasy just off Avenida Liberdade. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026 For smaller threats around 100 meters wide, this subterranean 3-megaton explosion generates enough power to vaporize the asteroid into harmless space dust completely. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 Call it the canary yellow uniforms in the coal mine — except the Red Sox have shot up the elevator shaft, bursting from their subterranean crypt. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subterranean

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subterranean

underground

Adjective

In July 2025, utility workers excavating trenches to expand an underground gas network in Peru's capital unearthed two pre-Incan tombs that were over 1,000 years old.

— CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
These underground excursions are a park favorite, so make your reservations early.

— Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of underground

Browse Nearby Words

subterfuge

subterranean

subtile

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“Subterranean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subterranean. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of subterranean

adjective

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