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

Before leaving his post in February 2025, Sams saw parts of his work unraveled by the current administration. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Three civil rights cases could ultimately unravel one of the transgender rights movement’s greatest Supreme Court victories, according to legal analysts. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

The show stars Vikings actor Gustaf Skarsgård as Kurt Wallander, who begins the series aged 42 as his life unravels. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

How Amazon’s plan unraveled In February, GW president Ellen Granberg announced the university had sold the campus, but did not initially identify the buyer or disclose the purchase price. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Oct. 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