unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈra-vəl How to pronounce unravel (audio)
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 there is no suggestion of any kind of confrontation, there were tensions between different factions in the dressing room as Rosenior’s tenure unravelled. — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 From there, secrets start to unravel and answers to the mystery of how their friends can afford a lifestyle of seemingly limitless fun are revealed. — David Faris, TheWeek, 3 Sep. 2026 Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Caitríona Balfe, Kit Connor and Fred Hechinger star as members of a struggling family that begins to unravel after the mother disappears. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 As her mother unravels, Maya uncovers a pattern of silence and exploitation that leads her to confront her father’s deception and her family’s complicity. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unravel

verb
un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈrav-əl How to pronounce unravel (audio)
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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