Synonyms of extricate

extricate

verb

ˈek-strə-ˌkāt 

as in to liberate

to set free from entanglement or difficulty

you've woven such a web of lies that it's hard to see how you can extricate yourself now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extricate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of extricate are disembarrass, disencumber, disentangle, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

When might disembarrass be a better fit than extricate?

The meanings of disembarrass and extricate largely overlap; however, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When could disencumber be used to replace extricate?

Although the words disencumber and extricate have much in common, disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

How are the words disentangle and untangle related as synonyms of extricate?

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

disentangling fact from fiction

untangle a web of deceit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of extricate

Firefighters had to extricate two people from the BMW. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

The birds fly around the light, unable to extricate themselves. —Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025

Firefighters found that a front-seat passenger in one of the vehicles had to be extricated. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2025

Listen to this article A two-car crash in Shelton on Wednesday night sent two people to the hospital, including one who had to be extricated from a vehicle. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2025

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