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

Game 1 unraveled in the sixth inning when, with runners on first and second and the score tied 1-1, Mets phenom Nolan McLean induced a potential double-play grounder off the bat of TJ Rumfield. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026

That’s when things started to unravel for the Dodgers. —Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

By the time Moyes returned to Everton in April, things had fully unravelled. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

At the center of the Apple TV show is Coop, played by Jon Hamm, a hedge fund manager whose life unravels quickly. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 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