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
Noor seems like a likable, interesting new character to base a story around, but how does this all tie in to the conspiracy that Peter Sutherland is beginning to unravel?
—
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025
Vet mobile & Internal Affairs investigation In Suarez’s telling of events, his relationship with Carollo began to unravel after Suarez discovered a trove of veterinary supplies at the Bayfront Park Management Trust headquarters in April.
—Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
Sophie meets Benedict as the Lady in Silver at Violet Bridgerton’s (Ruth Gemmell) masquerade ball, and their love story begins to unravel.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025
Iran Iran’s powerful network of regional alliances has unraveled, leaving the country vulnerable — and potentially incentivized to build a nuclear weapon.
—Erika Solomon, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unravel 
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Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025
Vet mobile & Internal Affairs investigation In Suarez’s telling of events, his relationship with Carollo began to unravel after Suarez discovered a trove of veterinary supplies at the Bayfront Park Management Trust headquarters in April.
—Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
Sophie meets Benedict as the Lady in Silver at Violet Bridgerton’s (Ruth Gemmell) masquerade ball, and their love story begins to unravel.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025
Iran Iran’s powerful network of regional alliances has unraveled, leaving the country vulnerable — and potentially incentivized to build a nuclear weapon.
—Erika Solomon, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unravel
Dictionary Entries Near unravel
Cite this Entry
“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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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