quicksand
2 synonyms for quicksand, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Wet, loose sand that looks solid but gives way and traps anything that steps into it, often found near rivers or shorelines.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use quicksand
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sink into quicksand
like quicksand
Etymology
From Old English cwecesand, literally "living sand" — the same old sense of "quick" meaning "alive" combined with "sand."
Full origin of quicksand →Frequently asked questions
What does “quicksand” mean?
The word “quicksand” means wet, loose sand that looks solid but gives way and traps anything that steps into it, often found near rivers or shorelines. In plain terms, loose wet sand you sink into, or, figuratively, a worsening situation you can't easily get out of.
How do you pronounce “quicksand”?
“Quicksand” is pronounced KWIHK-sand (/ˈkwɪkˌsænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “quicksand” in a sentence?
Here is “quicksand” used in a sentence: “The guide warned us to avoid the marked patch of quicksand.”
What is another word for “quicksand”?
Words with a similar meaning to “quicksand” include syrtis and syrt.
What part of speech is “quicksand”?
“Quicksand” is a noun.
Where does the word “quicksand” come from?
The word “quicksand” comes from Old English. From Old English cwecesand, literally "living sand" — the same old sense of "quick" meaning "alive" combined with "sand.".
How many meanings does “quicksand” have?
“Quicksand” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: wet, loose sand that looks solid but gives way and traps anything that steps into it, often found near rivers or shorelines.
