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

Examples 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 Purdy-McCaffrey combo showed up best a few snaps before Kittle’s touchdown: McCaffrey raced down the right sideline past linebacker Lavonte David and caught a 30-yard prayer from Purdy, who unloaded that pass just before getting drilled in the chest by William Gholston.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Another time, Benson was unloading groceries in her kitchen when a man started pounding on the door, forcing her to send her son into the basement and call for help.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Instead of waiting at home to fully recover, Master said, students should return to school with extra support from teachers and breaks in their schedule to relieve symptoms such as headaches or fatigue, with a goal of gradually doing more.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Its star ingredient is lanolin, an oil from sheep’s wool that’s often used in skin care products to moisturize and relieve itchiness.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • More than 100 of the hostages have been released – most as part of a cease-fire deal last November, and some freed in Israeli military operations.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The dual zippers are an ingenious feature, allowing precise ventilation and the ability to free your arms while keeping the sleeping bag otherwise zipped tight.
    Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near disencumber

Cite this Entry

“Disencumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disencumber. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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