Definition of untanglenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb untangle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untangle are disembarrass, disencumber, disentangle, and extricate. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things.

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When might disembarrass be a better fit than untangle?

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

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When can disencumber be used instead of untangle?

The synonyms disencumber and untangle are sometimes interchangeable, but disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

When is it sensible to use extricate instead of untangle?

The words extricate and untangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 untangle Some forms of fraud can take months—or even years—to untangle. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 June 2026 Because family court dockets are heavily backlogged, critics say a guardian’s recommendation often becomes the final word, despite the grueling and complex nature of the disputes they are tasked with untangling. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026 Scientists have long tried to untangle how pigeons travel without getting lost. ABC News, 28 May 2026 Her husband John Legend, along with another woman on the carpet, knelt to untangle the dress's hem. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for untangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangle
Verb
  • But something has clearly unraveled in recent days.
    Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • The fighting in Lebanon could unravel the deal The Israeli military said four soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed in an attack on a tank in a village near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh.
    Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • The patterns bear the hallmarks of overlapping portfolio-management strategies, often index-based and much of it likely automated, and all of it difficult to disentangle.
    Justina Lee, Fortune, 23 May 2026
  • This is practically impossible for something with an enormous mass like a planet or star, as there’s no known way to disentangle the gravitational constant (G) from a mass (M) from orbital mechanics alone.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Instead, Meledandri freed filmmakers and animators to make movies about antic antiheroes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026
  • The group issued a point-by-point analysis of the memorandum, criticizing it for potentially freeing up tens of billions of dollars for Iran without putting sufficient safeguards to ensure the country won’t use the money to fund operations against the United States.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • According to the Northwestern Mutual survey, nearly three-quarters of Gen Z already have saved more than one year of income toward retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • Clark had a collection of par saves around the turn as Scottie Scheffler was making a move and poured it on with a fairway metal to get within four feet for eagle on the par-five 16th for an even-par 70 that gave him a six-shot lead.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Police say a man, who was a passenger in the sedan, was quickly extricated from the vehicle and received intensive advanced life-saving procedures by paramedics on site.
    CBS Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • Russo and Flanagan were pronounced dead after being mechanically extricated from the wreckage, records show.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The smiles, according to experts on Buddhism and Buddhist art, suggest a realization of truth, and the legs represent a transition into action, to liberate all sentient beings.
    Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 11 June 2026
  • After being transferred to Hirschberg to Bunzlau, he was liberated and returned to Romania before immigrating to Israel and eventually settling in South Florida.
    Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Winners have to go to a Florida Lottery district office to redeem these winning tickets.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Their drama is already stale, and between Nathan’s touchiness and Joe’s mistreatment of women, their fight over who is a better guy, a better seaman, a better worker, a better boyfriend is disengaging at best and aggravating at worst.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 June 2026
  • Garcia said some students have disengaged from campus life or withdrawn from classes altogether.
    Valentina Toro, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Untangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untangle. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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