Definition of unravel
transitive verb
1a : to disengage or separate the threads of : disentangleb : 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
From the M-W Editors
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 of unravel from the Web
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Its pride in its college-preparation efforts unraveled.
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But Ms. Merkel’s remarks underscored profound divisions between Europe and the United States that have one clear beneficiary, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has longed for the alliance, Moscow’s Cold War adversary, to unravel.
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Federal documents suggest that control over the unit began unraveling when correctional officer Gregory Dustin Gouldman was transferred there in August 2012 as sergeant on the night shift.
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The relationship between Panama and the U.S. unraveled, and Congress halted economic and military aid to Panama in 1987.
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If the gluttonous addition of talent weren’t enough, the particular kind of player Golden State added comes as a direct address to its unraveling in last year’s Finals.
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But in subsequent years, the band unraveled, torn apart by substance abuse, personal conflicts and solo careers.
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For Bettes, Allman’s testimony poisoned the water, and the Allman Brother Band lineup began to unravel.
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The craft, named for the wife of Jupiter, is just starting to unravel the mysteries of the largest planet in our solar system.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unravel'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of unravel
1603
UNRAVEL Defined for English Language Learners
unravel
playDefinition of unravel for English Language Learners
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: to cause the separate threads of something to come apart
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: to find the correct explanation for (something that is difficult to understand)
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: to fail or begin to fail
UNRAVEL Defined for Kids
Learn More about unravel
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unravel Spanish Central: Translation of unravel Nglish: Translation of unravel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of unravel for Arabic speakers
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