unravel
verb
un·rav·el
ˌən-ˈra-vəl 
unraveled; unraveling; unravels
1
a
: to disengage or separate the threads of : disentangle
b
: to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of
2
: to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of : clear up
unravel a mystery
: to become unraveled
Synonyms
Examples of unravel in a Sentence
Scientists are still unraveling the secrets of DNA.
Their plans unraveled when she lost her job.
His frequent absences from home caused his marriage to unravel.
I feel like my life is unraveling.
Recent Examples on the Web
Failure to change the current dynamic will not only have serious consequences for individuals, families, and communities, but will hinder the ability of researchers to unravel the connection between intellectual disability and autism among Black children.
—
Wendy K. Chung, STAT, 16 Apr. 2024
The investigation continued to unravel when officers received a call from a Hialeah police narcotics detective, the warrant states.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unravel 
Wendy K. Chung, STAT, 16 Apr. 2024
The investigation continued to unravel when officers received a call from a Hialeah police narcotics detective, the warrant states.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unravel
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unravel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unravel
Cite this Entry
“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unravel
verb
un·rav·el
ˌən-ˈrav-əl
ˈən-
1
: to separate the threads of : disentangle
unravel a snarl
2
: solve
unravel a mystery
3
: to become unraveled
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