disencumber

verb

ˌdis-in-ˈkəm-bər How to pronounce disencumber (audio)
Definition of disencumbernext
1
as in to unload
to empty or rid of cargo we disencumbered our pack animals as soon as we made camp that night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to rid
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers a simple statement of the terms of the contract disencumbered of legal jargon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disencumber differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disencumber are disembarrass, disentangle, extricate, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

When would disembarrass be a good substitute for disencumber?

The words disembarrass and disencumber can be used in similar contexts, but disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

How do disentangle and untangle relate to one another, in the sense of disencumber?

Both disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things.

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When is extricate a more appropriate choice than disencumber?

The meanings of extricate and disencumber largely overlap; however, extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of disencumber However, before negotiations between Lyon and the Gunners can begin in earnest, the Gunners may first have to disencumber themselves of the German's £350,000-a-week wages. —SI.com, 3 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disencumber
  1. unload
  2. relieve
  3. free
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Arkansas head coach John Calipari unloaded on the current state of college basketball for allowing players to head back into college.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • No loading and unloading the car, no long morning commutes—just grab your gear and go.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of unload
Verb
  • Realizing he was boxed in, Chilton stepped to the side, unzipped, and relieved himself mid-song.
    — Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 8 Feb. 2026
  • You may be relieved to know that cleaning this filter every month is rather excessive for this component.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of relieve
Verb
  • People both young and old, lonely and less lonely, those blessed with a family home, and even couples freed up the tram for us.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Lilia, her mother and her aunt try to free a bird that has made its way into the house.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of free

Browse Nearby Words

disenchants
disencumber
disencumbered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disencumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disencumber. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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