Definition of untanglenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb untangle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untangle are disembarrass, disencumber, disentangle, and extricate. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things.

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When might disembarrass be a better fit than untangle?

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

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When can disencumber be used instead of untangle?

The synonyms disencumber and untangle are sometimes interchangeable, but disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

When is it sensible to use extricate instead of untangle?

The words extricate and untangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 untangle The new mayor is also looking to reform the city’s property-tax system, a Gordian knot that no mayor has been able to successfully untangle, which would help reduce landlords’ costs. Clio Chang, Curbed, 30 Jan. 2026 So that's going to be the hardest part about this game — untangling this five-dimensional web of connections that go back 20 years to Colby and Jenna and Stephenie. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026 The film, without proving didactic, untangles the complications of finding appropriate care for someone with her cognitive disabilities, as Emily and Bob struggle with a healthcare system that isn’t set up to support people like her. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026 The podcast is a fascinating artifact, the tale of a woman still untangling her role as both victim and victimizer. Jillian Steinhauer, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for untangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangle
Verb
  • His first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy that changes his life forever.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Winning Over the Rink Around the same time, Youngblood was grooming hockey dad Eric Perardi, the coach and real-estate developer, who was quietly unraveling amid a bitter divorce.
    Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For researchers, the framework also opens new directions for studying disease mechanisms that have long been difficult to disentangle under a single diagnostic label.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
  • An industry source tells Deadline’s Rendering column that the message went out to third-party producers to disentangle any Google AI tools from their workflows.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
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
Verb
  • Did Manchester City just save the title race?
    Stuart James, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Dave Coulier credited early cancer detection with saving his life – twice.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Fire crews quickly began working to extricate the man and transported him to a local trauma center.
    Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Then the play ends and the actor has to extricate themselves.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • And when that happens, stool, fluids, and gas get shuttled toward your rectum, from where they can be liberated into the free world.
    Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Milan marked that day by naming a prominent square in the city’s center April 25 Plaza for the day the uprising that liberated Milan began.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • To redeem the offer, use code GOODWILLDUNKIN at checkout.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600.
    Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Emotional fatigue builds and high performers start rationing effort or quietly disengaging.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Altogether, there is a complex system of legal support in place that has been shown to be very effective at preventing activists from disengaging after experiences of state repression.
    Heidi Reynolds-Stenson, The Conversation, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Untangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untangle. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on untangle

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