unravel
verb
un·rav·el
ˌən-ˈra-vəl 
unraveled; unraveling; unravels
1
a
: to disengage or separate the threads of : disentangle
b
: to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of
2
: to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of : clear up
unravel a mystery
: to become unraveled
Synonyms
Examples of unravel in a Sentence
Scientists are still unraveling the secrets of DNA.
Their plans unraveled when she lost her job.
His frequent absences from home caused his marriage to unravel.
I feel like my life is unraveling.
Recent Examples on the Web
As he’s forced to go on the run in a desperate fight to clear his name and unravel a global conspiracy, Muncie finds unlikely allies against the corrupt billionaire ultimately pulling the strings.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Nov. 2024
What to do if your holiday travel plans unravel 'Do it as soon as possible': What to know about canceling, postponing a cruise What are cruise passengers owed for itinerary changes?
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
One expert says the trade fight could unravel the growing international cooperation targeting drug traffickers in China and Mexico.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024
Western powers hope that report, due by spring 2025, will pressure Iran into negotiations on fresh restrictions on its nuclear activities, albeit less far-reaching ones than in a 2015 deal with major powers that unraveled after then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from it in 2018.
—Reuters, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unravel 
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.
Dictionary Entries Near unravel
Cite this Entry
“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
unravel
verb
un·rav·el
ˌən-ˈrav-əl
ˈən-
1
: to separate the threads of : disentangle
unravel a snarl
2
: solve
unravel a mystery
3
: to become unraveled
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share