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 signs of things unravelling behind the scenes came last week, when leading scorer Ty-Laur Johnson was removed from the program amid what sources said were disciplinary issues. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

The supermodel posed in a white corset dress with a sheer skirt that appeared to be unraveling. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026

Now, Archuleta has a newfound sense of liberation, having grappled with the heaviness of unraveling his foundation of faith. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026

The Senate was expected to pass it soon after, but as STAT’s John Wilkerson reports, the plan unraveled as debate over ICE funding increased. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 17 Feb. 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