1
as in unraveling
to separate the various strands of
gently untangled the baby's hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in freeing
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
I was finally able to untangle myself from my credit problems
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 untangling
Many modern and contemporary writers are drawn to the villanelle as a way to circle around their subject matter, exploring obsession, enchantment, brooding, or the slow work of untangling a difficult emotion.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 19 Aug. 2025
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangling
Verb
-
While Bowyer understood his organization was unraveling, his players did not yet know about the raid.—
DAVID AMSDEN,
Rolling Stone,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Experts warn that reimposing sanctions would deepen Iran's isolation, risk unraveling the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and further destabilize a region already under strain from conflicts.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
This means a rocket can use less fuel to achieve the same performance, freeing up space for more mission-critical supplies and equipment.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Aug. 2025
-
In client services, AI can handle routine queries by drawing on past interactions, freeing accountants to focus on higher-value advisory work.—
Tom Invernizzi,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Brittany Luse is joined by writer and journalist Ana Marie Cox to get into how people are disentangling alcohol from their lives, and the lessons she's learned as a recovering alcoholic.—
Veralyn Williams,
NPR,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Patel has talked about disentangling the FBI’s intelligence-gathering operations — now a core function of the bureau’s mandate — from the rest of its operations.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
1 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Choosing a carry-on that’s large enough to accommodate your packing needs is crucial; without it, your attempts at saving space will likely fall flat.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
-
As the Sons occupy a government building, Chris springs into action, saving a hostage while killing militant after militant with fists, a copy machine, and — in the most memorably violent use of a writing utensil in a DC Comics adaptation since The Dark Knight — two pencils in the ears.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
His messaging consistently demonstrates that true success is an inside job, a byproduct of liberating oneself of mental constraints.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
-
But the movie also knows that limits can be helpful, that having to decide which romantic partner to settle on—or whether to settle on one at all—can be more stressful than liberating.—
Faith Hill,
The Atlantic,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untangling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untangling. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share