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 estrangement can sometimes seem sudden, experts say subtle changes may signal that a family relationship is beginning to unravel. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 But that consensus began to fray several years ago and has recently threatened to unravel altogether as Democrats have shifted drastically and rapidly from unequivocal support for Israel, reflecting a sea change in Americans’ views. — New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Previous attempts to stop the fighting have either failed to take hold or quickly unraveled amid deep mistrust. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Naturally, the team now wants to unravel how the neurons are signaling and processing feedback across these connected machines, and also see if adding more connections could shift the needle even further in the right direction. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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
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