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

Some connected to her exhaustion, while others focused on her husband’s patience as the moment unraveled. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Allowing that achievement to unravel through uncertainty or neglect would hand competitors an advantage. —Diego Marroquin Bitar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026

The Roberts Court is unraveling that discretion, discovering fatal constitutional problems in arrangements that had stood for generations. —Duncan Hosie, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026

The places where seasons were saved — and where one eventually unraveled. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 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