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
Constructed of a cotton-linen blend in versatile neutral tones, it's designed to get softer with every machine wash without fading or unraveling and is filled with a lightweight polyester for all-season comfort.
—
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
Nuclear talks That deal unraveled after Trump unilaterally pulled out the U.S. during his first term.
—David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Many of these individuals are projecting success while privately unraveling.
—Pavi Theva, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
During Trump's first term in 2018, a NATO summit nearly unraveled amid heated disputes over spending levels, highlighting the fragility of alliance unity under financial strain.
—Gabe Whisnant
shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
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Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
Nuclear talks That deal unraveled after Trump unilaterally pulled out the U.S. during his first term.
—David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Many of these individuals are projecting success while privately unraveling.
—Pavi Theva, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
During Trump's first term in 2018, a NATO summit nearly unraveled amid heated disputes over spending levels, highlighting the fragility of alliance unity under financial strain.
—Gabe Whisnant
shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 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 9 Jul. 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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