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
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
Throughout Season 2, viewers have watched lead protagonist Colter Shaw, played by Justin Hartley, slowly unravel his family’s complicated dynamics and the mystery of his father’s death.
—
Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Brooks plays Eddie, a ghost from Jax’s past resurfaces, bringing with him a whirlwind of unresolved tension that threatens to unravel everything she’s worked so hard to build.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Related Articles Chicago baseball report: Cubs face big questions for Mets series — and Miguel Vargas’ streak for White Sox
Chicago White Sox match 2nd-worst start in franchise history through 37 games with 2-1 loss
How did the defense unravel ‘pretty quickly’ for Chicago White Sox?
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Porsha, in a rare moment of softness, stops by her mom’s house with a new puppy in tow—a gift for Pilar, and maybe a quiet balm for her own unraveling spirit as the divorce looms heavy.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
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.
Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Brooks plays Eddie, a ghost from Jax’s past resurfaces, bringing with him a whirlwind of unresolved tension that threatens to unravel everything she’s worked so hard to build.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Related Articles Chicago baseball report: Cubs face big questions for Mets series — and Miguel Vargas’ streak for White Sox
Chicago White Sox match 2nd-worst start in franchise history through 37 games with 2-1 loss
How did the defense unravel ‘pretty quickly’ for Chicago White Sox?
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Porsha, in a rare moment of softness, stops by her mom’s house with a new puppy in tow—a gift for Pilar, and maybe a quiet balm for her own unraveling spirit as the divorce looms heavy.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
Cite this Entry
“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 16 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share