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

Marking the feature debut of writer-director Joe Camara, the film follows Luke (Leone), a man struggling with addiction, debt and a life that has steadily unraveled around him. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

In a scene from Season 3, as the characters’ lives began to unravel. — Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

The future reveals its uncannily familiar face in this novel, and the Kent coast serves as both canvas and muse for that unraveling. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Below $207 on a closing basis and the post-earnings structure has unraveled. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 21 Sep. 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