Synonyms of untangle

untangle

verb

ˌən-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

1

as in to unravel

to separate the various strands of

gently untangled the baby's hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unravel
• disentangle
• untwist
• unsnarl
• unweave
• untwine
• unbraid
• fray
• unlay
• ravel (out)
• undo
• untie
• smooth
• uncoil
• straighten (out)
• unroll
• unwind
• unknot
• unlace
• fret
• unthread
• unstring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• entangle
• snarl
• tangle
• tie
• knot
• wind
• ply
• braid
• splice
• lace
• plait

2

as in to disentangle

to set free from entanglement or difficulty

I was finally able to untangle myself from my credit problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disentangle
• free
• save
• extricate
• liberate
• redeem
• disengage
• rescue
• cut loose
• release
• clear
• disembarrass
• unravel
• untie
• unburden
• deliver
• unsnarl
• untwine
• disencumber
• disburden

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• entangle
• embroil
• hamper
• block
• burden
• weigh
• load
• encumber

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

Recent Examples of untangle

Without spoiling anything, Annie spends her time on the island untangling her family lore and figuring out what comes next—all in a place where getting around requires a boat. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026

Japan, meanwhile, has spent the past several years untangling another mess. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

The architecture morphs into a tangled digital knot that only expensive crisis engineers can untangle. — Ihor Hamal, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Bellamy and Evans’ prenup could now take center stage as the couple untangles their finances. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026