entanglement

noun

en·​tan·​gle·​ment in-ˈtaŋ-gəl-mənt How to pronounce entanglement (audio)
en-
Synonyms of entanglementnext
1
a
: the action of entangling : the state of being entangled
b
: something that entangles, confuses, or ensnares
a project delayed by legal entanglements
2
: the condition of being deeply involved
their entanglement in politics

Examples of entanglement in a Sentence

his life is greatly complicated by his romantic entanglements
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.
Israel's participation has divided opinion in the competition that has a history of entanglement in national rivalries, international issues and political voting. Olivia Le Poidevin, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025 Will seems to be perpetually scribbling one play after another by candlelight, then drifting off to London to pitch his shows to an emerging disarray of theatrical producers — aspiring manipulators who have money and titles as well as risky political entanglements. Peter Bart, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025 Most resonant for this context are pieces gravitating toward such slippages and entanglements, such as Josh Kline’s video Forever 48 (Whitney)/Citi Display Wall 46″, 2013, and sculpture MAOI Inhibitors Can’t Fix This (Elizabeth/Administrative Assistant), 2016. Tim Griffin, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025 An ode to collaboration, entanglement, and autonomy. Morgan Bassichis, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entanglement

Word History

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of entanglement was in 1687

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Cite this Entry

“Entanglement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entanglement. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

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