Synonyms for

Dunes

Verb / du:nz / Another word for dunes — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Dunes are hills of sand that are formed by the wind.

Synonyms & similar words

rag dune crucify sanddune dun torment frustrate bedevil sandbanks sandhills blowouts drifts sands

Synonyms by register

Formal

sandhills ergs

Informal

sand piles heaps of sand

Literary

waves of sand shifting sands

Antonyms

valleys plains troughs depressions hollows basins

Common collocations

  • sand dunes
  • desert dunes
  • coastal dunes
  • moving dunes
  • wind-swept dunes
  • vast dunes
  • towering dunes

Word family

noun dune

Usage note

Dunes specifically refers to hills of sand formed by wind. While 'sandhills' can be a synonym, 'dunes' is more precise. Avoid using 'dunes' for any other type of hill.

Example sentences

  1. The dunes are a popular spot for tourists to take pictures.
  2. The wind created beautiful patterns in the sand dunes.
  3. We had a picnic on top of a dune.
  4. The dunes are home to many unique plants and animals.
  5. I love running up and down the sand dunes by the beach.

Quotes

  • "The desert is like a huge, elaborate system of dunes, each one different, each one a pattern, each one a work of art." - Michael Palin
  • "I can't imagine anything more worthwhile than doing what I most love. And they pay me for it." - Edgar Winter (about performing on the Dunes in Las Vegas)
  • "A beach is not only a sweep of sand, but shells of sea creatures, the sea glass, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean." - Henry Grunwald

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