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

The no-frills app also unravels any complex options for those who are looking for something that just keeps the sound simple. —Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 22 June 2026

In one of his rougher outings of the season, Meyer showed his ability to steady himself in the middle and prevent a game from unraveling, the kind of adversity every starting pitcher is guaranteed to face at some point. —Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 21 June 2026

Recovery is where good work either holds or quietly unravels. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026

But something has clearly unraveled in recent days. —Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 19 June 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