Definition of extricatenext
as in to liberate
to set free from entanglement or difficulty you've woven such a web of lies that it's hard to see how you can extricate yourself now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb extricate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of extricate are disembarrass, disencumber, disentangle, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

When might disembarrass be a better fit than extricate?

The meanings of disembarrass and extricate largely overlap; however, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When could disencumber be used to replace extricate?

Although the words disencumber and extricate have much in common, disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

How are the words disentangle and untangle related as synonyms of extricate?

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

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

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 extricate Two people suffered serious injuries and were extricated by firefighters. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026 The Fort Worth Fire Department was called to the scene to help with extricating four people from the vehicle, according to the statement. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026 Hughes had to be extricated and was airlifted to a Chicago hospital after the crash. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026 The driver of that vehicle, Grace Owen, had to be extricated from her car with the jaws of life, her lawyer told the Herald. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extricate
Verb
  • Get them, and liberate your ears with epic sound.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
  • On Shabbat, the Acheinu, a prayer for liberating those held in captivity, was recited from the bimah, an elevated platform where sermons are often delivered.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • He has been freed from jail after posting $50,000 bail and is next due in court at the end of the month.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • At a crowded news conference, boisterous supporters chanted to free Sarsour, recounting his advocacy for those in need.
    Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As gas prices continue to climb across the Bay Area, lawmakers are considering a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, an idea that could save drivers about 18 cents per gallon.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • King had saved this view, and their first decent cup of coffee, for the end of the course.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Provocative journalist and interviewer of the powerful There were those for whom art could not be disentangled from life, whose creations, often read as confessions, were intrinsically connected to their identities.
    Amisha Padnani, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • At this point, with a majority of voters opposed to Trump’s interventions, congressional action is the only way to disentangle the country from these conflicts.
    Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But Missy Cummings, a professor of engineering and computing at George Mason University, said these crashes highlight some of the dangers of partially autonomous driving systems that allow people to disengage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Miami Beach officers chose to disengage and update the BOLO.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After the terrible first period, the B’s started to redeem themselves with much better play in the second.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
  • To get the discount, guests must redeem the deal through the Farmer Boys VIF App.
    Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But Emma said the Russian government showed little interest in rescuing her sister, pointing to Elizabeth's public opinions online as a human rights activist.
    Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • This gentle girl was a stray who was rescued and has adjusted well to her new environment.
    Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Generations of medical students have voiced their desire for more nutrition education, especially for practical knowledge to address numerous questions from their patients and to untangle the overflow of information and misinformation from contemporary media.
    Christopher Duggan, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Dymphna Cordova usually spends her Thursday mornings deep in meeting mode to untangle work priorities with her team or manage complex employee issues at her company.
    Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extricate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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