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

• 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

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

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