Definitions

environment

[en-vahy-ruhn-muhnt, -vahy-ern-] / ɛnˈvaɪ rən mənt, -ˈvaɪ ərn- /

NOUN

surroundings, atmosphere

Synonyms

STRONGEST

climate habitat mise en scène setting situation status surroundings

STRONG

ambiance aura backdrop background circumstances conditions context domain element encompassment entourage hood jungle locale medium milieu neighborhood purlieus scene scenery terrain territory turf zoo

WEAK

neck of the woods stomping ground

NOUN

earth's system of natural resources

Synonyms

STRONGEST

atmosphere ecosystem

STRONG

Gaia biosphere environs

WEAK

ecosphere

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Our findings show that biological and geological carbon cycles are tightly linked," says Jan Karlsson, professor at Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience at Umeå University.

From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026

Environment Minister Murray Watt said the seal deaths were "sobering" and showed Australia must not be complacent in preparing for the strain possibly making it to the mainland.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

A 2024 report by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization warned that rising nitrous oxide emissions linked to fertiliser use are threatening climate goals.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

The Labour government recently proposed giving councils new powers to force fly-tippers to clean up waste they have dumped, and giving the Environment Agency police-style powers to investigate major waste sites.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

I knew she wanted it to be the Ministry of Environment that confiscated bonobos, in order to make it clear that it was the government of Congo taking peoples property, not her.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer

Vocabulary lists containing environment

Ecology - Introductory

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Natural Resources and the Environment - Introductory

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Commonly Misspelled Words, List 3

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