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 He’s spent weeks untangling a conspiracy that began with the Atwater Protocol and spilled blood from Washington to the tundra, and now the consequences of that secrecy have literally landed at his doorstep. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 5 Dec. 2025 North Crowley fell on it first, but when the pile was untangled, Allen tight end Jackson Hoppe had it. Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025 The work to untangle the history of cats is ongoing, and Losos noted a lack of archaeological samples from North Africa and southwest Asia means the domestic cat’s origin story is far from complete. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025 Understanding the role of federal agencies such as the FDA and the CDC, as well as medical professional organizations and guidelines, can help untangle the complicated picture for access to COVID-19 vaccines. Elizabeth Lanphier, The Conversation, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for untangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangle
Verb
  • Allowing that achievement to unravel through uncertainty or neglect would hand competitors an advantage.
    Diego Marroquin Bitar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Just when Anna and Jack seem to be suspects themselves, the show unravels to reveal a myriad of other potential perpetrators.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • An industry source tells Deadline’s Rendering column that the message went out to third-party producers to disentangle any Google AI tools from their workflows.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The filing underscores the administration’s position that immigration enforcement and foreign policy decisions cannot be disentangled from national security concerns and that all of those are solely under the federal government’s purview.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Pots, pans, trays, and lots of utensils can be shoved onto oven shelves to free up counter and kitchen table space.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The engine, freed from its hook by a sudden hard, precise kick, quickly sank into the river, pulling the cord tight and dragging the foreman underwater.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Keeping Tabs on Car and Insurance-Related Documents Good documentation helps save time and stress during claims or disputes.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • After first responders tried to save her at the scene, she was taken to Hennepin Healthcare and pronounced dead.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Subaru driver, identified as 63-year-old Shari Sirkin of Stratford, was extricated by the Oxford Fire Department and transported to Waterbury Hospital by Oxford EMS where she was pronounced dead, according to state police.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Everyone in the vehicle suffered serious injuries and had to be extricated from the vehicle.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Old memories, dreams or unresolved conversations could resurface, not to haunt you, but to liberate you.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
  • In the meantime, some may recall then UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s exasperation over the planning for D-Day, the operation that would liberate Western Europe from Nazi Germany.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Among other provisions, the ordinance echoes the state law in saying no one under age 15 can operate a Class 3 e-bike in the city and e-bikes must have an electric motor that disengages when the rider brakes or stops pedaling.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
  • This indicates that sustained remote presence can help prevent students from disengaging entirely from school.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Untangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untangle. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on untangle

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