unravel
verb
un·rav·el
ˌən-ˈra-vəl 
unraveled; unraveling; unravels
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
: to become unraveled
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
But things quickly take a dark turn with the planet seeming to unravel.
—
Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
Opponents of the governor’s veto believe the expenditure of that energy is necessary and point to efforts in Washington to unravel DEI as a reason Maryland should commit itself to study reparations.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
Trump’s entire economic agenda is contingent on the tax and spending bill’s passage at the same time the bill’s passage could trigger bond market vigilantes to unravel Trump’s entire economic agenda.
—Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Newcastle had been beaten 4-2 away to Brentford in their previous game and a season is in danger of unravelling.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
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Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
Opponents of the governor’s veto believe the expenditure of that energy is necessary and point to efforts in Washington to unravel DEI as a reason Maryland should commit itself to study reparations.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
Trump’s entire economic agenda is contingent on the tax and spending bill’s passage at the same time the bill’s passage could trigger bond market vigilantes to unravel Trump’s entire economic agenda.
—Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Newcastle had been beaten 4-2 away to Brentford in their previous game and a season is in danger of unravelling.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
Cite this Entry
“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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