Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disencumber differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disencumber are disembarrass, disentangle, extricate, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

When would disembarrass be a good substitute for disencumber?

The words disembarrass and disencumber can be used in similar contexts, but disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

How do disentangle and untangle relate to one another, in the sense of disencumber?

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

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When is extricate a more appropriate choice than disencumber?

The meanings of extricate and disencumber largely overlap; however, extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of disencumber However, before negotiations between Lyon and the Gunners can begin in earnest, the Gunners may first have to disencumber themselves of the German's £350,000-a-week wages. SI.com, 3 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disencumber
Verb
  • Lewis wasn't going to take that lying down, and in typical messy fashion, unloaded his hot takes on Whitfield.
    Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The boys’ mom had just parked at a shopping center and was outside of the car, unloading items to bring inside, at the time of the shooting, Huerta told Los Angeles ABC station KABC.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Miss Manners is relieved not to be asked what to do about that vulgarity.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 16 Dec. 2024
  • This massage gun can help relieve them with its rotating percussion arm and ergonomic grip for personalized muscle treatments.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • While the technology is impressive, the real value lies in how these platforms free up HR professionals to focus on what matters most – the human aspect of their role.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The original 28 Days Later takes place in a world where animal rights activists have freed a group of infected chimpanzees to horrifying results.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near disencumber

Cite this Entry

“Disencumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disencumber. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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