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 agreement was signed in June and unraveled in a matter of days. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

What many do not appreciate, however, is how quickly those first hours into an arrest can unravel years of stability for an individual and their families. — Corey B. Friedman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

But that theory began to unravel when investigators discovered someone was still withdrawing money from Herr's bank account. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

And the department has also seen several high-profile cases unravel recently, including dropping vandalism charges against a former Olympic canoeist and others over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. — Npr Staff, NPR, 8 Aug. 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