Synonyms of extricate

extricate

verb

ˈek-strə-ˌkāt 

as in to liberate

to set free from entanglement or difficulty

you've woven such a web of lies that it's hard to see how you can extricate yourself now

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liberate
• free
• save
• disentangle
• disengage
• redeem
• rescue
• untangle
• release
• cut loose
• disembarrass
• clear
• deliver
• unravel
• unburden
• untie
• disencumber
• disburden
• unsnarl
• untwine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hinder
• impede
• embroil
• obstruct
• hamper
• entangle
• block
• burden
• weigh
• load
• encumber

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extricate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of extricate are disembarrass, disencumber, disentangle, and untangle. While all these words 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

When might disembarrass be a better fit than extricate?

The meanings of disembarrass and extricate largely overlap; however, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When could disencumber be used to replace extricate?

Although the words disencumber and extricate have much in common, disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

How are the words disentangle and untangle related as synonyms of extricate?

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

disentangling fact from fiction

untangle a web of deceit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of extricate

Computer technology had gotten us into this millennial quagmire, and, therefore, it would not be trusted to extricate us from it. —Literary Hub, 1 July 2025

Apparently, there also used to be a mud bath, but a 10-year-old boy got stuck in it and had to be extricated by staff. —Maya Silver, Outside Online, 27 June 2025

Several of the names admired are believed to have lengthy notice periods in their contracts, as Ashworth did, so compensation would be required should Newcastle wish to extricate them early. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 19 June 2025

This move reflects a broader trend of extricating the marketing function from the C-suite, as seen with Starbucks and Etsy, who also did away with their CMO positions. —Rekha Thomas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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