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 Meanwhile, a founder scaling across Europe must incorporate separate entities in each country, untangle regulatory and employment codes in multiple languages and markets, and explain to engineers in Munich why their stock options are treated differently to their colleagues’ in Madrid. Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 Over the course of three seasons, these characters have effectively been trying to untangle the same problem. Katie Campione, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2025 This isn't a movie to untangle so much as give yourself over to. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025 But swapping fat for sugar and empty carbs is also problematic, and it has been complicated to untangle the effects of ever-changing dietary patterns. Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for untangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangle
Verb
  • As her family and friendships begin to unravel, Ashley, along with the rest of LA, is left to question who is the us?
    Nora Dahlia, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In the close quarters of the cabin, secrets unravel, leading to unexpected discoveries about love and second chances.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To fully disentangle them would set both sides — and the whole world — back decades.
    Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Claude can’t disentangle her years-ago affair with Mathias from feelings of self-recrimination and guilt, and seesaws between anger and seduction.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Thuram drags Tchouameni into the space on the left and Koopmeiners runs towards Cambiaso, freeing up Yildiz to receive in space.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Mele was freed when police linked Locci and Lo Bianco's murders to other killings that had happened when he was incarcerated.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Judging by his big grin, though, the best topic was saved till last when asked to describe Estevao’s display.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • By benching Wilson, Denver made sure that he couldn’t get injured and was consequently able to save money on his release.
    Frank Nunns OConnell, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The driver had to be extricated and was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries, DPS officials added.
    Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • With a daintiness at odds with its 120 kilos, the bear extricates its wrist from the tie and calmly takes its leave.
    Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Change is uncomfortable, but this transit is here to liberate you in unexpected ways.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Warsaw doctors likewise wrote about patients whose hearts failed after they were fed; when Allied soldiers liberated the concentration camps, large numbers of emaciated people died after being given high-calorie foods such as chocolate.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Before the judges revealed their scores, Leavitt told cohost Julianne Hough that her sole goal in week 6 was to redeem her week 5 stumble during a soulful contemporary routine dedicated to her husband.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • 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, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Active news consumers were much more likely to be politically engaged, while passive news consumers were much more likely to be disengaged or moderately engaged in politics.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Rogé agreed that Gen Z is not disengaged but discerning.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Untangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untangle. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on untangle

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