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
That sense of security unraveled in 2021.
—
Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Set against mountainous landscapes and rural lakes, the story follows a wandering swordsman who is falsely accused of stealing a shipment of gold and must unravel a web of intrigue involving bandits, palace guards and corrupt officials while attempting to clear his name.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
After the sudden and heartbreaking death of former head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim in October 2024, the program could have unraveled.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz play a couple whose lives start to unravel when Bardem, a star architect, takes on a commission to build a bunker for a reclusive billionaire.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unravel
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Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Set against mountainous landscapes and rural lakes, the story follows a wandering swordsman who is falsely accused of stealing a shipment of gold and must unravel a web of intrigue involving bandits, palace guards and corrupt officials while attempting to clear his name.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
After the sudden and heartbreaking death of former head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim in October 2024, the program could have unraveled.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz play a couple whose lives start to unravel when Bardem, a star architect, takes on a commission to build a bunker for a reclusive billionaire.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unravel
Cite this Entry
“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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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