detangle

verb

de·​tan·​gle (ˌ)dē-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

detangled; detangling; detangles

transitive verb

: to remove tangles from

Always detangle wet hair gently with a wide-toothed comb.

—Elle

Detangle and lay out all your light strings. Check for frayed wires and broken bulbs and repair or replace as needed.

—Samantha Mazzotta

detangler noun

plural detanglers

Cream rinses are not designed to adhere to the hair for any length of time but are just there to assist with the combing out (detanglers, in effect).

—Allison Leopold

Examples of detangle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to promoting hair growth, the conditioner adds a healthy boost of hydration, while softening and detangling strands for a silky-soft feel, even during the winter months. —Melony Forcier, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026

As has become tradition for Jon Stewart‘s Monday evening hosting stints for The Daily Show, the political comic had to work hard to detangle all the webs of hypocrisy exemplified by the right wing — this time, in relation to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026

For extra insurance, a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush helps distribute the mask evenly, ensuring every strand is properly coated. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026

But past the bilateral relationship, China’s growing foothold as the world’s manufacturer also has more far-reaching consequences for Washington, analysts say, especially in terms of the US’ ability to detangle its strategic supply chains from China. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for detangle

• angle
• bangle
• dangle
• jangle
• mangle
• strangle
• tangle
• wrangle
• disentangle
• entangle
• quadrangle
• triangle