untangle

verb

un·​tan·​gle ˌən-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

untangled; untangling; untangles

transitive verb

: to loose from tangles or entanglement : straighten out

untangle a knot

untangle a mystery

Synonyms of untangle

• unravel

Choose the Right Synonym for untangle

extricate, disentangle, untangle, disencumber, disembarrass mean to free from what binds or holds back.

extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things.

disentangling fact from fiction

untangle a web of deceit

disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

Examples of untangle in a Sentence

She carefully untangled the child's hair.

He untangled the garden hose.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s only one way to untangle the Webb inside the Broncos’ quarterback room right now. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026

That the two companies use the Orient Express name is a source of confusion Barletta has aimed to untangle through his train cruising model. —Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026

This petite, chic travel jewelry case keeps necklaces untangled, prevents rings from drifting to the bottom of her carry-on, and secures earring posts from bending or breaking. —Annie Blackman, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026

If your personal life and your business expenses are tangled together, untangle them now. —Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for untangle

• angle
• bangle
• dangle
• jangle
• mangle
• strangle
• tangle
• wrangle
• disentangle
• entangle
• quadrangle
• triangle

Kids Definition

untangle

verb

un·​tan·​gle ˌən-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

ˈən-

1

: to remove a tangle from : disentangle

untangle a knot

2

: to straighten out : resolve

untangle a mystery