Synonyms of untangle

untangle

verb

ˌən-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

1

as in to unravel

to separate the various strands of

gently untangled the baby's hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to disentangle

to set free from entanglement or difficulty

I was finally able to untangle myself from my credit problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb untangle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untangle are disembarrass, disencumber, disentangle, and extricate. 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 untangle?

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

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When can disencumber be used instead of untangle?

The synonyms disencumber and untangle are sometimes interchangeable, but disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

When is it sensible to use extricate instead of untangle?

The words extricate and untangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 untangle

Saab secretly met with the Drug Enforcement Administration before his first arrest and, in a closed-door court hearing in 2022, his lawyers revealed that the businessman for years had helped the DEA untangle corruption in Maduro’s inner circle. —Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026

Make untangling tomato stems from their cage at the end of the growing season by allowing the plant to die and dry in place. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026

When once Valdez would untangle, now there appeared to be some questionable decision-making once frustration mounted. —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 6 May 2026

Mosquitoes really do play favorites — and the reasons reveal a fascinating tangle of genetics, body chemistry and evolutionary tracking that scientists are still untangling. —Ryan Brennan may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026