Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disencumber differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disencumber are disembarrass, disentangle, extricate, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

When would disembarrass be a good substitute for disencumber?

The words disembarrass and disencumber can be used in similar contexts, but disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

How do disentangle and untangle relate to one another, in the sense of disencumber?

Both disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things.

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When is extricate a more appropriate choice than disencumber?

The meanings of extricate and disencumber largely overlap; however, extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of disencumber However, before negotiations between Lyon and the Gunners can begin in earnest, the Gunners may first have to disencumber themselves of the German's £350,000-a-week wages. SI.com, 3 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disencumber
Verb
  • The 46-year-old has been unloading a lot of baggage lately.
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Endeavor has been steadily unloading assets in the wake of an April 2024 announcement that private equity giant Silver Lake—already a sizable Endeavor investor—would be taking the company private at $27.5 per share.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Jones is relieved to get out of the New York fish bowl and thrilled to get a new opportunity.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The mattresses' layered structure encourages spine alignment and relieves pressure points, minimizing aches and pains.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • With drones, sniffer dogs and heavy machinery, rescue operators have been working around the clock to free dozens of people thought to be trapped inside.
    Jan Camenzind Broomby, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The husband eventually managed to free himself of his bindings, and when McIsaac returned to the living room, the husband fought back and subdued him long enough to allow the rest of the family to escape and seek help, prosecutors said.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disencumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disencumber. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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