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
  • As commuters unload from carpools passing through the parking lot of a Tri-Rail station on a recent weekday morning, they’re greeted by a symphony of construction while waiting for their trains.
    CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
  • Even after sending Pro Bowl receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier in the offseason, the 49ers were also reportedly still trying to unload Aiyuk's contract as well.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Proponents of the bill argued those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives to relieve their suffering.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
  • Oil prices fell on Friday, in a likely sign that traders were relieved that Trump decided to delay conflict with Iran for two weeks.
    Ben Weiss, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • But oddly enough, writing something so generic was the freeing element to all of our problems.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
  • Short of the savings being placed in a much bigger coffee can, government spending cuts born of efficiency, headcount reduction, mandate reduction, or all three would have just freed up money for Congress to spend in new ways.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disencumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disencumber. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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