unravel

verb

un·​rav·​el ˌən-ˈra-vəl 

unraveled; unraveling; unravels

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to become unraveled

Synonyms

• disentangle
• ravel (out)
• unbraid
• unlay
• unsnarl
• untangle
• untwine
• untwist
• unweave

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

Their unraveling façade drives the season’s central conflict. —Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

The real-life case became a national sensation following the release of Investigation Discovery's The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, a multi-part documentary series that attempts to unravel this twisted adoption story's knot. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025

After consuming the flame, Anna gains extraordinary dance abilities and begins unraveling the mystery behind her friend’s death. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025

President Donald Trump has taken steps to unravel protections for transgender people. —David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for unravel

• caval
• cavil
• gavel
• gravel
• travel

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