Thicket Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thicket

[ˈθɪkɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

dense forest

A thicket is a dense group of bushes or small trees, especially one that is difficult to pass through.

Synonyms

copse, dense woodland, grove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thicket	A thicket refers to a dense group of bushes or small trees. It is often used to describe areas that are somewhat wild and overgrown. We had to cut our way through the thicket to reach the clearing. The rabbit disappeared into the thicket, making it hard to follow.
copse	A copse is a small group of trees, typically in a rural area. It is often used in more literary or descriptive contexts. We walked through the copse to find a perfect picnic spot. The copse of oaks provided a natural shelter from the wind.
grove	A grove is a small group of trees, often planted deliberately or naturally growing in a neat cluster. Groves are usually associated with a more organized or peaceful setting. The olive grove stretched out in neat, orderly rows. We found a quiet grove to set up our tent.
dense woodland	Dense woodland describes a larger area of tightly packed trees and undergrowth. This term is often used in a more general or descriptive sense. Hiking through the dense woodland was challenging but rewarding. The dense woodland was home to many species of wildlife.

Examples of usage

We got lost in the thicket while hiking in the forest.
The rabbit disappeared into the thicket, blending in perfectly with the surroundings.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

complicated situation

Thicket can also refer to a complicated or intricate situation with many confusing elements.

Synonyms

jungle, maze, tangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thicket	Thicket refers to a dense group of bushes or small trees, often found in forests or natural areas. It implies a natural, wild setting. The deer disappeared into the thicket before we could get a closer look. We had to cut our way through the thicket to reach the river.
maze	Maze refers to a complex network of pathways or passages, in which it is easy to get lost. It can be used both literally, to describe a physical maze, and metaphorically, to describe a confusing situation. The children enjoyed getting lost in the corn maze at the festival. The bureaucratic process was a maze of regulations and paperwork.
tangle	Tangle indicates something that is twisted and knotted together, creating a sense of disorder or confusion. It can describe physical objects like wires or hair, and also complicated situations. Her hair was a tangle after spending the whole day at the beach. We need to sort out this tangle of cables behind the TV.
jungle	Jungle usually means a very dense and overgrown forest, often tropical, with a sense of being wild and untamed. They trekked through the dense jungle, listening to the sounds of exotic animals. The village was only accessible by navigating through miles of thick jungle.

Examples of usage

Navigating through the thicket of legal jargon proved to be challenging for the new lawyer.
The thicket of emotions she felt towards him was overwhelming.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'thicket'

The word 'thicket' originated from the Middle English 'thikket', which meant a dense group of small trees or bushes. It has been used since the 14th century to describe dense vegetation or a complicated situation. The image of a tangled mass of plants or a complex problem remains central to the meaning of 'thicket'.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,399, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16396 hatchery
16397 blink
16398 bitumen
16399 thicket
16400 laundering
16401 lighten
16402 subsisting
...