Synonyms of tangles

tangles 1 of 2

noun

plural of tangle

as in confusions

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

• confusions
• fogs
• perplexities
• mazes
• distractions
• mystifications
• bewilderments
• puzzlements
• distresses
• muddles
• discomforts
• whirls
• discombobulations
• embarrassments
• bamboozlements
• perturbations
• bafflements
• agitations
• befuddlements
• head-scratchings
• bemusements
• dismays
• mortifications
• discomfitures
• disturbances
• disquiets
• upsets
• turmoils
• chagrins
• commotions
• abashments
• disconcertments
• flurries
• dithers
• flusters
• fusses
• stews
• bothers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assurances
• convictions
• certainties
• confidences
• certitudes

tangles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of tangle

1

as in traps

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

• traps
• enmeshes
• meshes
• entraps
• ensnares
• nets
• snares
• entangles
• involves
• captures
• ensnarls
• entoils
• implicates
• catches up
• embroils
• collars
• bags
• mires
• birdlimes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• untangles
• detaches
• disentangles
• disengages
• frees
• liberates
• clears
• extricates

2

as in knots

to twist together into a usually confused mass

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• knots
• snarls
• jumbles
• weaves
• intertwines
• entangles
• interlaces
• braids
• interweaves
• scrambles
• twines
• plaits
• winds
• intertwists
• scrabbles
• entwines
• writhes
• wreathes
• enlaces
• inweaves
• entwists

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• untangles
• disentangles
• untwists
• unravels
• unscrambles
• unknots
• untwines
• unsnarls
• unweaves

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tangles

Noun

An overabundance of the SORLA protein protected against a number of biological processes linked to the formation of tau tangles and progression of neurodegeneration. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2026

During this time, the brain starts to shrink, and the misfolded proteins that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s begin to build up — sticky amyloid beta plaques in the brain and tau tangles in neurons. — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 21 July 2026

Conditioning first can also help minimize tangles and create a smoother surface before shampooing. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 July 2026

As beta-amyloid levels rise in the brain, tangles of proteins called tau begin gathering inside brain cells, causing neurons to collapse and die. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

The p-tau217 test measures a form of tau that correlates with how much plaque buildup someone has and gives a hint about tangles, Sperling said. — ABC News, 15 July 2026

While some experts believe the brain needs some amount of tau in order to function normally and maintain the architecture of neurons, abnormal tau tangles can contribute to cognitive problems associated with Alzheimer's. — Alice Park, Time, 15 July 2026

Many scientists believe that amyloid buildup eventually triggers an abnormal form of tau to form tangles in neurons, setting off symptoms. — Lauran Neergaard, Fortune, 14 July 2026

The drug also demonstrated an ability to lower the levels of a protein called tau, which forms toxic tangles in the brain and is associated with memory loss and the onset of other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 14 July 2026

Verb

But consent decrees are legally and politically complicated, and the treatment of migrant children further tangles the situation. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025