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.
Later on Saturday, Pezeshkian called on state TV for a revival of the interim deal, which was signed on June 17 but quickly unraveled amid disagreements over what had been agreed, especially ​on the status of the Strait of Hormuz. — Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026 Oddly, the Situational shorts didn't unravel until last week, when Salesforce had a celebratory gallop. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 As curators unraveled the truth behind the images, the album soon made headlines and ignited a debate that reverberated far beyond the museum walls. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 Kapoor’s world began to unravel that year as Location Ventures ousted Kapoor as CEO and appointed a judge to oversee liquidation of company assets. — Miami Herald, 27 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

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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 2 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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