desert Synonyms
Another word for desert
• noun (Context 1)
A barren, arid biome or landscape area that receives very little precipitation, consequently resulting in hostile living conditions for plant and animal life.
"Camels are uniquely adapted to survive long journeys across the scorching wasteland."
• verb (Context 2)
To abandon a person, cause, or organization in a way considered disloyal or treacherous.
"His closest allies began to abandon him once the financial scandal became public."
• adjective (Context 3)
Relating to, characteristic of, or resembling a dry, barren desert.
"The botanical garden features a glass conservatory filled with rare arid plants."
• verb (Context 4)
To leave a place, causing it to appear empty and uninhabited.
"Tourists quickly vacate the coastal resort towns as soon as the autumn rains begin."
• verb (Context 5)
To illegally run away from military service without permission and with no intention of returning.
"Harsh winter conditions and dwindling rations caused several recruits to go awol from the garrison."
• adjective (Context 6)
Uninhabited and desolate (now chiefly used in the phrase 'desert island').
"The castaways survived for months on a remote uninhabited island in the Pacific."
• verb (Context 7)
To fail someone when needed most (of a quality, skill, or courage).
"Her usual composure seemed to fail her when she stepped onto the stage."
• noun (Context 8)
A situation, place, or period considered dull, uninteresting, or devoid of a particular vital resource or quality (such as a food desert or cultural desert).
"Before the new community theater opened, the suburb was considered a cultural wasteland."
• noun (Context 9)
A reward or punishment that a person rightfully deserves (usually used in the plural, especially in the phrase 'just deserts').
"After years of deceiving his business partners, the fraudster finally got his just deserts in court."
Opposites of desert
The opposite of desert shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: