unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈra-vəl How to pronounce unravel (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But things quickly take a dark turn with the planet seeming to unravel. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 Opponents of the governor’s veto believe the expenditure of that energy is necessary and point to efforts in Washington to unravel DEI as a reason Maryland should commit itself to study reparations. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025 Trump’s entire economic agenda is contingent on the tax and spending bill’s passage at the same time the bill’s passage could trigger bond market vigilantes to unravel Trump’s entire economic agenda. Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 Newcastle had been beaten 4-2 away to Brentford in their previous game and a season is in danger of unravelling. George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unravel

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unravel was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

unravel

verb
un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈrav-əl How to pronounce unravel (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to separate the threads of : disentangle
unravel a snarl
2
: solve
unravel a mystery
3
: to become unraveled

More from Merriam-Webster on unravel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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