# thicket

/ˈθɪkɪt/ (US) · /θˈɪkɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thicket
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

a group of bushes or small trees that grow very close together. It is often hard to walk through because the plants are so crowded.

For teachers: a dense growth of shrubs, bushes, or small trees. Often used metaphorically to describe a complex or confusing mass of information or regulations.

## Examples

- The rabbit disappeared into a thicket of bushes.
- We had to push our way through a dense thicket of thorns to reach the riverbank.
- The legal team spent weeks navigating a thicket of contradictory regulations and outdated statutes before they could file the motion.

## Synonyms

copse

## Antonyms

clearing

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'of' to describe a collection of dense objects.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.