unravel

un·rav·el

verb \ˌən-ˈra-vəl\

Definition 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

Examples of UNRAVEL

1. Scientists are still unraveling the secrets of DNA.
2. Their plans unraveled when she lost her job.
3. His frequent absences from home caused his marriage to unravel.
4. I feel like my life is unraveling.

First Known Use of UNRAVEL

1603

Related to UNRAVEL

Synonyms: disentangle, ravel (out), unbraid, unlay, unsnarl, untangle, untwine, untwist, unweave

Antonyms: entangle, snarl, tangle

Related Words: fray, fret; smooth, straighten (out); uncoil, undo, unknot, unlace, unroll, unstring, unthread, untie, unwind

Near Antonyms: braid, knot, lace, plait, ply, splice, tie, wind

see all synonyms and antonyms

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