unscramble

verb

un·​scram·​ble ˌən-ˈskram-bəl How to pronounce unscramble (audio)
unscrambled; unscrambling; unscrambles
Synonyms of unscramblenext

transitive verb

1
: to separate (something, such as a conglomeration or tangle) into original components : resolve, clarify
2
: to restore (scrambled communication) to intelligible form
unscrambler
ˌən-ˈskram-b(ə-)lər How to pronounce unscramble (audio)
noun

Examples of unscramble in a Sentence

We weren't able to unscramble the satellite signal. Unscramble the letters ALCEDNRA to spell “CALENDAR.”
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.
Thus, the most straightforward attempt to unscramble the omelet faltered. — Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025 Everyone had to balance a vase on a wheelbarrow over some obstacles and then use a bunch of blocks to unscramble a word and make an arch puzzle. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 May 2025 Cryptographic keys scramble data so that only someone with the correct key can unscramble it. — Yashas Hariprasad, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Cryptographic keys scramble data so that only someone with the correct key can unscramble it. — Yashas Hariprasad, The Conversation, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unscramble

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unscramble was circa 1920

Rhymes for unscramble

See All Rhymes for unscramble

Browse Nearby Words

unscoured
unscramble
unscraped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unscramble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unscramble. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unscramble

verb
un·​scram·​ble ˌən-ˈskram-bəl How to pronounce unscramble (audio)
ˈən-
: to make orderly or clear again
trying to unscramble a mix-up with the test scores
unscramble a radio message

More from Merriam-Webster on unscramble

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unscramble

Nglish: Translation of unscramble for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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