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

• 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 is how conspiracies always unravel, with the small-timers going down first. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

Plus, its durable material prevents it from unravelling even after several wash and dry cycles, per the brand. —Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025

But what begins as a routine night quickly unravels into a chaotic, citywide odyssey. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025

During this time, Sheen's personal life was unraveling. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025

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