Maze: meaning, definitions and examples

A 'maze' often refers to a complex network of paths or passages where the goal is to find a way from the entrance to the exit. It can be used both literally, such as in garden mazes, or metaphorically to describe a complicated process or situation.

• The children enjoyed running through the maze at the theme park.
• Navigating the new city felt like going through a maze of streets.

A 'labyrinth' is traditionally seen as a complex and intricate structure, often with a single path leading to the center. It can be used in more formal or mythological contexts and often implies an introspective or spiritual journey.

• The ancient myth of the Minotaur is set in a labyrinth.
• She felt like she was on a journey through a labyrinth of her own thoughts.

A 'puzzle' usually refers to a game, problem, or toy designed to test ingenuity or knowledge. It's used in contexts related to challenges that require thought and problem-solving skills.

• He spent hours trying to solve the crossword puzzle.
• The software upgrade presented a tricky puzzle for the tech team.

A 'tangle' describes a situation that is twisted, knotted, or complicated. It is often used with a slightly negative connotation to indicate confusion or disorder.

• Her hair was in a tangle after a windy day at the beach.
• The negotiations resulted in a legal tangle that took months to resolve.

A complex network of paths or passages, often designed as a puzzle. It's typically referring to something artificial, like the labyrinth in a garden or a mental challenge.

• The children had fun trying to find their way out of the corn maze.
• Life can sometimes feel like a maze, with twists and turns at every corner.

Implies the act of planning and directing the course of a journey, typically used for traveling over water, through air, or complex systems. It can also metaphorically mean to find one's way through problems or tasks.

• It took them a while to navigate through the dense forest.
• She had to navigate the bureaucratic maze to get her permits approved.

Indicates moving around without a specific purpose or direction. It can have a slightly aimless or lost connotation, sometimes implying a sense of daydreaming or distraction.

• They loved to wander the streets of the old town, discovering hidden cafes.
• His mind would often wander during long meetings.

Suggests wandering at a slow pace with no specific destination in mind, often used to describe the way rivers wind or someone taking a leisurely walk.

• We decided to meander through the park on a sunny afternoon.
• The river meanders through the lush green valley.