unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈra-vəl 

unraveled; unraveling; unravels

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

• fray
• untangle
• disentangle
• untwist
• unsnarl
• undo
• unweave

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

As the statisticians looked up the last time someone had lost the Wimbledon men’s final from such a position (John Bromwich in 1948), Djokovic could have unraveled. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Princess Diana believed she was headed for a fairy-tale future with then-Prince Charles — until her dream unraveled. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Things started to seriously unravel a few months into filming for Jackass Forever mid-2020. — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026

According to Ayaub, the genealogist unraveled the mystery and ultimately helped the family connect with Violet Christine’s daughter. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for unravel

• caval
• cavil
• gavel
• gravel
• travel

Kids Definition

unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈrav-əl 

ˈən-

1

: to separate the threads of : disentangle

unravel a snarl

2

: solve

unravel a mystery

3

: to become unraveled