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

The film centers on Kosiński at a time when his life and literary career unravelled after having the authenticity of his work called into question by two reporters from The Village Voice. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 11 July 2025

Further studies will be needed to unravel the mystery. —Mike Bezemek, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025

However, the effort unraveled after Richard Grenell, President Trump’s special envoy to Venezuela, launched a parallel negotiation offering a separate deal that included lifting oil sanctions in exchange for the American detainees. —Antonio Maria Delgado july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Despite weeks of preparation, the June 27 debate in Atlanta quickly unraveled from the moment the then-president arrived on stage. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 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