unscramble

verb

un·​scram·​ble ˌən-ˈskram-bəl 

unscrambled; unscrambling; unscrambles

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 

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

Fans were left to unscramble the letters into 12 cities: Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, Milan, London, Melbourne, Santa Monica, New York, Nashville, Chicago, Beverly Grove and Las Vegas. —Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025

That disappointment did not stop Burton from dominating the second chances contest, which ended with him unscrambling the pirate term Jolly Roger before any of the other players could even get out of their previous stage jail cells. —EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Thus, the most straightforward attempt to unscramble the omelet faltered. —Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025

Cryptographic keys scramble data so that only someone with the correct key can unscramble it. —Yashas Hariprasad, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unscramble

• amble
• bramble
• gamble
• ramble
• scramble
• preamble

Kids Definition

unscramble

verb

un·​scram·​ble ˌən-ˈskram-bəl 

ˈən-

: to make orderly or clear again

trying to unscramble a mix-up with the test scores

unscramble a radio message