Synonyms of disentangle

disentangle

verb

ˌdis-in-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

1

as in to unravel

to separate the various strands of

it took forever to disentangle the knot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unravel
• untangle
• unsnarl
• untwist
• unweave
• untwine
• ravel (out)
• fray
• unbraid
• undo
• unlay
• untie
• smooth
• straighten (out)
• unwind
• unroll
• uncoil
• unlace
• unknot
• fret
• unthread
• unstring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• entangle
• snarl
• tie
• knot
• tangle
• wind
• ply
• braid
• splice
• lace
• plait

2

as in to free

to set free from entanglement or difficulty

the years that it took to disentangle ourselves from our troubles after someone started using our social security numbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• free
• liberate
• extricate
• untangle
• save
• disengage
• redeem
• rescue
• cut loose
• release
• clear
• disembarrass
• deliver
• unravel
• unburden
• untie
• disencumber
• unsnarl
• disburden
• untwine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• hamper
• entangle
• embroil
• block
• burden
• weigh
• load
• encumber

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disentangle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disentangle are disembarrass, disencumber, extricate, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things.

disentangling fact from fiction

untangle a web of deceit

When might disembarrass be a better fit than disentangle?

Although the words disembarrass and disentangle have much in common, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When can disencumber be used instead of disentangle?

In some situations, the words disencumber and disentangle are roughly equivalent. However, disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

In what contexts can extricate take the place of disentangle?

The synonyms extricate and disentangle are sometimes interchangeable, but extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disentangle

As the show progresses, the book morphs into a potent examination of self-objectification, of the existential tedium of work, and of the disorientation produced by living in a world where what is genuine and what is performance are difficult to disentangle. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

It’s always been hard to disentangle The Bear’s medium from its message. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 June 2025

These multiband images will help disentangle features like swirling gas and magnetic fields, painting a more dynamic, multidimensional portrait of black hole environments. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 June 2025

Regulation could also help disentangle nutrition research from Big Food funding, Dr. Zeide says. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 June 2025