Definition of disencumbernext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disencumber differ from other similar words?

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

an article disencumbered of jargon

When would disembarrass be a good substitute for disencumber?

The words disembarrass and disencumber can be used in similar contexts, but disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

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

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

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When is extricate a more appropriate choice than disencumber?

The meanings of extricate and disencumber largely overlap; however, extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of disencumber However, before negotiations between Lyon and the Gunners can begin in earnest, the Gunners may first have to disencumber themselves of the German's £350,000-a-week wages. SI.com, 3 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disencumber
Verb
  • Vance said that for too long, China has used the tactic of unloading materials at cheap prices to undermine potential competitors, then ratcheting up prices later after keeping new mines from being built in other countries.
    DIDI TANG, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The vehicle can load and unload cargo from its front and drop it from its underside, allowing for flexible logistics maneuvers and operations.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Realizing he was boxed in, Chilton stepped to the side, unzipped, and relieved himself mid-song.
    Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 8 Feb. 2026
  • You may be relieved to know that cleaning this filter every month is rather excessive for this component.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Yet, he has been freed 15 times on parole, and so far has spent more than 400 days outside prison.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • His wife was held for 51 days before she was freed in November 2023 under a previous ceasefire.
    DARLENE SUPERVILLE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disencumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disencumber. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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