1
as in frays
to separate the various strands of
it took us forever to unravel the jumbled mass of Christmas tree lights
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in solves
to find an answer for through reasoning
unraveled the mystery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unravels
The Drama, out April 3, follows a soon-to-be married couple whose relationship unravels in the days leading up to their wedding.
—
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
What initially appears to be a fresh start soon unravels into a dangerous game of secrets, manipulation, and shifting power dynamics.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
Set in 1970s America, as television tightens its grip on American culture, veteran anchorman Howard Beale unravels live on air.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
The film centres on the owner of a failing furniture chain whose insurance scam unravels catastrophically on the eve of his daughter’s wedding, leaving him scrambling to keep his family oblivious, avoid prison and salvage the celebration.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
This spontaneous journey took me to Andalucía, the southernmost region of the Iberian Peninsula, with natural beauty that unravels like a cinematic masterpiece.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
In a riveting story, published in this week’s issue, Ava Kofman unravels the mystery of Guojun and Silvia’s strange and troubling project.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
The Night Of unravels the yarn with lurid details and lots of plot twists.
—Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Finn Bennett unravels Prince Aerion's unique brand of Mad Targaryen on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
What initially appears to be a fresh start soon unravels into a dangerous game of secrets, manipulation, and shifting power dynamics.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
Set in 1970s America, as television tightens its grip on American culture, veteran anchorman Howard Beale unravels live on air.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
The film centres on the owner of a failing furniture chain whose insurance scam unravels catastrophically on the eve of his daughter’s wedding, leaving him scrambling to keep his family oblivious, avoid prison and salvage the celebration.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
This spontaneous journey took me to Andalucía, the southernmost region of the Iberian Peninsula, with natural beauty that unravels like a cinematic masterpiece.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
In a riveting story, published in this week’s issue, Ava Kofman unravels the mystery of Guojun and Silvia’s strange and troubling project.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
The Night Of unravels the yarn with lurid details and lots of plot twists.
—Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Finn Bennett unravels Prince Aerion's unique brand of Mad Targaryen on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unravels
Verb
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This particular aspect of the show frays the gripping tone that had been so masterfully crafted from its opening scene.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
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Conjuring the troubled inner life of a young, beautiful and successful Buenos Aires fashion designer with an uncommon mix of stylistic rigor and feeling, the film frays your nerves.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Rising to the #1 spot signals strong business fundamentals, consumer trust and a product that genuinely solves a modern pet owner’s problem.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
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While philosophers may lose sleep over it, physicists don’t have to, because cosmic inflation solves it.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Outsiders may struggle to work out who is in favor and who is not, until a social media post or a one-paragraph party communique resolves the rumors.—
Michael Sheridan,
Vanity Fair,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Head of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva warned Monday that even if the conflict resolves soon, the Iran war will inevitably lead to higher inflation and weaker growth.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The film, without proving didactic, untangles the complications of finding appropriate care for someone with her cognitive disabilities, as Emily and Bob struggle with a healthcare system that isn’t set up to support people like her.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Here, The Athletic’s Everton correspondent, Patrick Boyland, answers the best of your replies, with topics including manager David Moyes’ future, summer transfer plans and the club’s European qualification hopes all on the agenda.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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Kristen Arnett answers this and your other questions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Vivian smooths any potential strands that may have escaped from her low bun and then brushes up the steep stone steps to the front door.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Avène’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream smooths it all, thanks to soothing thermal spring water that helps skin bounce back from stress.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Joe Biden comes in, undoes all that.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
12 Apr. 2026
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The move undoes restrictions that were previously implemented by former Attorney General Merrick Garland starting in 2022.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unravels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unravels. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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