Synonyms of tangle

tangle 1 of 2

noun

as in confusion

a state of mental uncertainty

my mind's been in a tangle ever since I learned some disturbing information about an online acquaintance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confusion
• fog
• maze
• perplexity
• bewilderment
• befuddlement
• bafflement
• mystification
• muddle
• discombobulation
• bamboozlement
• puzzlement
• bemusement
• distraction
• head-scratching
• confusedness
• distress
• discomfort
• whirl
• embarrassment
• bewilderedness
• discomfiture
• dismay
• mortification
• agitation
• perturbation
• upset
• commotion
• turmoil
• disturbance
• chagrin
• flurry
• abashment
• disquiet
• disconcertment
• fluster
• dither
• fuss
• bother
• stew

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conviction
• certainty
• confidence
• assurance
• certitude
• sureness
• positiveness

tangle

2 of 2

verb

ˈtaŋ-gəl 

1

as in to trap

to catch or hold as if in a net

was at last tangled in the web of lies that he had told to everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trap
• enmesh
• mesh
• entangle
• ensnare
• entrap
• net
• snare
• involve
• capture
• catch up
• ensnarl
• entoil
• implicate
• embroil
• collar
• mire
• birdlime
• bag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disentangle
• untangle
• extricate
• detach
• disengage
• free
• clear
• liberate

2

as in to knot

to twist together into a usually confused mass

that darn cat tangled the yarn I was trying to knit with

Synonyms & Similar Words

• knot
• snarl
• jumble
• intertwine
• weave
• entangle
• interweave
• interlace
• braid
• scramble
• twine
• intertwist
• entwine
• plait
• wind
• scrabble
• writhe
• enlace
• wreathe
• entwist
• inweave

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• untangle
• disentangle
• untwist
• unsnarl
• unravel
• unknot
• unscramble
• untwine
• unweave

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tangle

Noun

That makes the toaster, the dish rack and the tangle of cords part of the living room view. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026

Open floor plans have turned the kitchen into part of the living room, so the coffee maker, toaster and tangle of cords are on display from the couch. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Verb

Public aid researchers have said that when caretakers get tangled in paperwork, children can lose coverage. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

Patrick, who was injured when his cleats became tangled in TV cords, had to first seek redress through a grievance procedure before being able to pursue a lawsuit. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026