The term 'LIKE DESERTS' can be solved with the crossword solutions ARID (4 letters), DRY (3 letters), and SERE (4 letters). ARID is an adjective meaning extremely DRY, especially due to lack of water. DRY is also an adjective meaning having no liquid or moisture. Lastly, SERE is an adjective meaning DRY and withered. All three words are used to describe deserts, which are areas of land that receive very little precipitation and have sparse vegetation.