untangle

verb

un·​tan·​gle ˌən-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

untangled; untangling; untangles

transitive verb

: to loose from tangles or entanglement : straighten out

untangle a knot

untangle a mystery

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for untangle

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 untangle in a Sentence

She carefully untangled the child's hair.

He untangled the garden hose.

Recent Examples on the Web

More From the Los Angeles Times California A rescue crew tried to untangle a humpback in Newport Beach. —Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

Tools like the Family Enterprise Sanity Check provide a structured approach to untangling these intricate dynamics. —Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

For years, navigating the complexities of restoration, from rebuilding homes to untangling confusing insurance policies, has been a daunting task for many Floridians. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

To avoid wasting time untangling them when next Christmas rolls around, carefully wrap each strand before putting them away. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

untangle

verb

un·​tan·​gle ˌən-ˈtaŋ-gəl 

ˈən-

1

: to remove a tangle from : disentangle

untangle a knot

2

: to straighten out : resolve

untangle a mystery