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 Another tool the scientists used is an instrumental variable, which helps untangle cause-and-effect relationships. Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 24 Apr. 2025 That arrangement was always intended to be temporary, but for nearly two decades, the details of untangling such massive, important institutions have bedeviled three presidential administrations – including Trump’s first. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 May 2025 In fact, Trump attempted to untangle Fannie and Freddie from US government control in 2019 during his first administration and failed. Fannie and Freddie essentially grease the wheels of America’s home lending market by buying mortgages from lenders and repackaging them for investors. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 For much of Texas, this sudden spike is directly attributable to global warming, according to research from Climate Central, an independent group of scientists that works to untangle the link between extreme weather and the background heating caused by carbon pollution. Saul Elbein, The Hill, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for untangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangle
Verb
  • But the claim started to unravel as investigators talked to Morales Reyes, who doesn’t speak English fluently, and obtained a handwriting sample from him that was different from the handwriting in the letters, according to court documents.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • As Forbes reported, this seems to be a result of the relationship between Must and President Donald Trump appearing to unravel, with each attacking the other.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Such actions may well have suppressed both trade and foreign direct investment, although the declines in both are difficult to disentangle from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    ALLISON CARNEGIE, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
  • Hogg claimed the vote can't be disentangled from his dispute with the party.
    Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • With its easy setup and free unlimited storage, family members can instantly share photos from anywhere.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
  • Experts agree that the new political landscape has freed up states to explore other methods that may have struggled to hold up under a more liberal court.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Molly saves the day, grabbing a teapot from a closet, where she’s been saving a secret stash of cash.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • On the plus side, Hershel finally perfected his knife-throwing just in time to save mom Maggie from becoming Grizzly Chow.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Police found a 1994 Nissan Altima had struck a building near the intersection and the driver and passenger had to be extricated, according to a release from Sgt.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
  • Firefighters had to extricate her from the wrecked vehicle.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • How did One Piece season 1 end? Season 1 of Netflix's One Piece adaptation ended with Luffy and the Straw Hat gang liberating Nami's hometown of Coco Village from Arlong (McKinley Belcher III), the spiky-nosed fish-man with hopes of turning the village into a fish-men empire.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 May 2025
  • In World War II, people liberated from Axis occupation welcomed Allied troops.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Once their reading log is filled, participants can turn the log in to redeem prizes.
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
  • Kane redeems himself, ties the game, 1-1 From the Edmonton blueline, defenseman Evan Bouchard quickly headmanned the puck to Viktor Arvidsson, who turned it to a flying Evander Kane.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • When a teen entrepreneur faces team members who aren't meeting deadlines for their custom sticker business, or when a teacher deals with students who seem disengaged during group projects, ChatGPT might suggest: Directive approach: Implement stricter deadlines with clear consequences.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • At times last season, Cardoso appeared to disengage entirely from the game in front of her.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Untangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untangle. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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