Definition of disembarrassnext
as in to free
to set free from entanglement or difficulty still struggling to disembarrass herself of the emotional baggage of a failed relationship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disembarrass differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disembarrass are disencumber, disentangle, extricate, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When might disencumber be a better fit than disembarrass?

In some situations, the words disencumber and disembarrass are roughly equivalent. However, disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

How do disentangle and untangle relate to one another, in the sense of disembarrass?

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

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When is it sensible to use extricate instead of disembarrass?

The words extricate and disembarrass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disembarrass
Verb
  • By smashing together heavy atoms of lead traveling at near-light speeds using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), scientists can create a high-energy environment that briefly frees gluons and quarks from this atomic bondage, recreating the quark-gluon plasma of the early universe.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Though fumble recoveries are mostly about good fortune, the process of freeing the ball can often be technique-driven.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Keeping Tabs on Car and Insurance-Related Documents Good documentation helps save time and stress during claims or disputes.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • After first responders tried to save her at the scene, she was taken to Hennepin Healthcare and pronounced dead.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • She was sent to Ravensbrück and then to Bergen-Belsen, where she was liberated by the British Army in April 1945.
    Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Art is a beautiful way of showing Black children, and children in general, that Black people are beautiful, and that our stories and the stories of our families move us forward and liberate us as well.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Funk said the site offers deals six to 12 times the value, compared to redeeming points for cash back.
    Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
  • This ticket must be redeemed at the Florida Lottery main office or one of the nine district offices, such as the one in Miami Lakes at 14621 Oak Ln.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • First responders attempted to extricate the tanker driver, but he was found dead inside the truck, according to state police.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
  • The unit's soldiers train to operate in frigid conditions, like driving special cold weather vehicles and extricating themselves from icy waters.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disembarrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disembarrass. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!