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 Penningtons are a married pair of professors whose lives will unravel after Dava’s diagnosis with cognitive decline. — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

The critic draws a parallel between the saint and her own experience with crises and unravel in the face of political events. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

The ceasefire quickly unraveled, and the 60-day deadline passed last month with no breakthroughs. — Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

Elaine unravels that mystery, weaving together the way insurance companies’ coverage decisions have shaped how these medicines are used. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 28 Sep. 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