unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈra-vəl How to pronounce unravel (audio)
unraveled; unraveling; unravels
Synonyms of unravel

transitive verb

1
a
: to disengage or separate the threads of : disentangle
b
: to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of
2
: to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of : clear up
unravel a mystery

intransitive verb

: to become unraveled

Synonyms of unravel

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Examples of unravel in a Sentence

Scientists are still unraveling the secrets of DNA. Their plans unraveled when she lost her job. His frequent absences from home caused his marriage to unravel. I feel like my life is unraveling.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mystery at hand, while complicated, doesn’t really offer that much to unravel. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 June 2026 The deal that built the modern internet is quietly unraveling, and most business leaders have not noticed yet. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Princess Diana believed she was headed for a fairy-tale future with then-Prince Charles — until her dream unraveled. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Heard and Depp married in February 2015, but their relationship quickly unraveled. — Charlie Carballo, USA Today, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unravel

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unravel was in 1603

Rhymes for unravel

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Browse Nearby Words

unravaged
unravel
unraveler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unravel

verb
un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈrav-əl How to pronounce unravel (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to separate the threads of : disentangle
unravel a snarl
2
: solve
unravel a mystery
3
: to become unraveled

More from Merriam-Webster on unravel

Nglish: Translation of unravel for Spanish Speakers

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