Matted: meaning, definitions and examples

Matted is used to describe hair or fur that is so tangled that it forms clumps or mats. Typically, this happens when the hair is not brushed regularly. It can also be used to describe something that is pressed down so that individual strands or pieces lose their separateness.

• Her long hair was matted and dirty after days of hiking.
• The dog's fur was matted and needed grooming.

Tangled describes something that is intertwined in a way that makes it difficult to separate or straighten. This word is often used for hair, wires, or ropes that are mixed together chaotically.

• Her hair got all tangled in the wind.
• The wires behind the computer desk were tangled and needed organizing.

Knotted refers to something that is twisted together and forms a knot, which is a tightly closed loop. This term can be used for hair, strings, threads, or ropes that have small, tight loops.

• The necklace chain got knotted in the jewelry box.
• She had to carefully untangle the knotted strings of her shoelaces.

Tousled is used to describe hair that has been slightly disturbed, usually giving it a messy but attractive look. It often implies a casual, natural, and somewhat romantic disarray.

• He woke up with his hair tousled from sleep.
• She had that tousled, beachy hair look after a day at the shore.

Describes hair or fur that is tangled and clumped together, often due to neglect or lack of grooming.

• Her dog's fur was matted after playing in the mud
• The child's hair became matted after swimming in the lake

Refers to being caught or twisted together with something, making movement difficult. Often used metaphorically to describe complications.

• The fishing line was entangled in the seaweed
• She found herself entangled in the complex legal case

Usually refers to something tangled in a disorderly way, such as hair or wires. Can also describe a situation that is very complicated or difficult.

• Her headphones were in a snarl at the bottom of her bag
• The traffic snarl caused delays for hours

Describes getting caught on something sharp or rough, often causing damage or interruption. Can be used for both physical and figurative situations.

• His sweater snagged on the nail
• We hit a snag in our travel plans when the flight was delayed