Morass: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe a confusing or difficult situation that seems almost impossible to get out of, often involving a lot of complicated details.

• The legal proceedings became a morass of conflicting testimonies and unclear evidence.
• The project turned into a morass of uncompleted tasks and miscommunications.

Often used to describe a situation that is not only difficult, but also dangerous, sticky, or hard to deal with, much like a swampy, muddy area that is difficult to traverse. The term usually carries a negative connotation.

• The military found themselves in a quagmire, unable to advance or retreat without significant losses.
• The company’s financial troubles turned into a quagmire as more debts accumulated.

Usually refers to a physical or conceptual structure with many interconnected paths or passages, designed to be confusing and difficult to navigate. It can also be used metaphorically to describe any complex and confusing situation.

• The old castle had a maze of secret passages and hidden rooms.
• Navigating the bureaucracy felt like trying to find a way out of a maze.

This word is used when describing a situation involving a complex, and often problematic, interrelationship or involvement, particularly in personal or political matters.

• Their financial entanglement made the divorce proceedings even more complicated.
• Political entanglements between the two countries have led to increased tensions.

Use when describing a swampy, muddy area of land.

• The hikers got stuck in a morass and had to be rescued.
• Avoiding the morass was nearly impossible after the heavy rains.

Use when describing a dangerous situation that is hard to escape from and can pull you deeper if you struggle.

• His debts became financial quicksand, pulling him in deeper every month.
• The negotiations felt like quicksand, with every move complicating the situation further.

Typically used to describe a trap for catching animals or a metaphorical trap to catch or deceive someone, often with a negative connotation.

• The hunter set a snare to catch rabbits.
• She avoided the contractual snare that would have trapped her in an unfavorable deal.

Best used to describe something that blocks one's way or prevents progress.

• The lack of funding was a major obstacle to completing the project.
• She managed to overcome all the obstacles to achieve her dream.