disentangle

verb

dis·​en·​tan·​gle ˌdis-in-ˈtaŋ-gəl How to pronounce disentangle (audio)
disentangled; disentangling; disentangles

transitive verb

: to free from entanglement : unravel
disentanglement noun
Choose the Right Synonym for disentangle

extricate, disentangle, untangle, disencumber, disembarrass 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

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

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

Examples of disentangle in a Sentence

it took forever to disentangle the knot the years that it took to disentangle ourselves from our troubles after someone started using our social security numbers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hang up your beach towels and disentangle yourself from your pool noodle because the Vacation Alliance is in trouble! Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2024 This is undoubtedly true of some, and racial prejudice can be hard to disentangle from economic concerns. Eyal Press, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 Those in favor say people should disentangle from unhealthy relationships without shame, and that family should be held to the same standards as friends and romantic partners. Jeanette Tran, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024 Leaning into this advantage can yield economic benefits and investment opportunities, helping the United States disentangle from China. Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disentangle 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of disentangle was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near disentangle

Cite this Entry

“Disentangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disentangle. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

disentangle

verb
dis·​en·​tan·​gle ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈtaŋ-gəl How to pronounce disentangle (audio)
: to straighten out : untangle
disentanglement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on disentangle

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