unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈra-vəl 
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.
While nearly 30 players were given the ball cap and figurative clipboard to watch from the sidelines, key position battles unraveled in the desert in the team’s win. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026 One day, a position group can be the best and brightest on a team — that is until a few injuries unravel the entire situation. — Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 The couple still got married in 2022, but his stories continued to unravel. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Even so, Sepahvand, now director at Daric Investment Group, said Iran's economy is indeed deteriorating under the weight of mounting sanctions — but far from unraveling. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for unravel

Browse Nearby Words

unravaged
unravel
unraveler
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Cite this Entry

“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unravel

verb
un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈrav-əl 
ˈən-
1
: to separate the threads of : disentangle
unravel a snarl
2
: solve
unravel a mystery
3
: to become unraveled
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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