unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈra-vəl 

unraveled; unraveling; unravels

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to become unraveled

Synonyms of unravel

• fray
• untangle
• disentangle
• untwist
• unsnarl
• undo
• unweave

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

This year's prizes began with the Nobel for medicine, awarded Monday to three scientists whose work led to a tool that uses light to help unravel how the brain works. — Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

The knitting process is portable and easy, but the structure also means a tug on one loose end can quickly unravel the whole project. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026

The Nobel for medicine went to three scientists whose work led to a tool that uses light to help unravel how the brain works. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Unless Smith gets hurt or the season unravels enough to prompt a quarterback change, Klubnik will likely spend his rookie year learning behind the veteran. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for unravel

• caval
• cavil
• gavel
• gravel
• travel

Kids 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