Definition

Having characteristics or qualities similar to a desert, such as dryness or barrenness.

Example

The landscape was desertlike, with vast stretches of sand and little vegetation.

Conversation

Have you seen that new park they built downtown?

Yeah, it looks so desertlike with all the sand and sparse vegetation.

I thought it was supposed to be a garden, not a desert!

Right? It definitely gives off a more arid vibe than I expected.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Desertlike → It is formed from "desert" (from Old French *desert*, meaning a barren or uninhabited place) and "-like" (meaning resembling or similar to). The word "desertlike" means resembling or similar to a desert, typically in terms of barrenness or dryness.

Memory Tip

Think of a place that is 'barren' or 'uninhabited' ('desert') and how it can be 'similar to' something else ('-like'). This helps you remember that 'desertlike' describes something that resembles a desert.

Visually Confused Words