DISENTANGLE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'disentangle' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disentangle are disembarrass , disencumber , extricate , and untangle . While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things. // disentangling fact from fiction // untangle a web of deceit

Q: When might 'disembarrass' be a better fit than 'disentangle'?

Although the words disembarrass and disentangle have much in common, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders. // disembarrassed herself of her advisers

Q: When can 'disencumber' be used instead of 'disentangle'?

In some situations, the words disencumber and disentangle are roughly equivalent. However, disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down. // an article disencumbered of jargon

Q: In what contexts can 'extricate' take the place of 'disentangle'?

The synonyms extricate and disentangle are sometimes interchangeable, but extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation. // extricated himself from financial difficulties

disentangle

verb

ˌdis-in-ˈtaŋ-gəl

Definition of disentangle next

as in to unravel

to separate the various strands of it took forever to disentangle the knot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to free

to set free from entanglement or difficulty the years that it took to disentangle ourselves from our troubles after someone started using our social security numbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disentangle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disentangle are disembarrass, disencumber, extricate, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things.

disentangling fact from fiction

untangle a web of deceit

When might disembarrass be a better fit than disentangle?

Although the words disembarrass and disentangle have much in common, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When can disencumber be used instead of disentangle?

In some situations, the words disencumber and disentangle are roughly equivalent. However, disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

In what contexts can extricate take the place of disentangle?

The synonyms extricate and disentangle are sometimes interchangeable, but extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

Example 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 disentangle This new study helps to better disentangle how obesity medications can help influence that journey. —

Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Dec. 2024 Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to slowly disentangle your hair (wet hair is delicate), starting with the ends and working your way up. —

Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024 The islands of the mind and those encircled by water can be difficult to disentangle. —

Donovan Hohn, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024 Patel has talked about disentangling the FBI’s intelligence-gathering operations — now a core function of the bureau’s mandate — from the rest of its operations. —

Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disentangle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disentangle

Verb

Noor seems like a likable, interesting new character to base a story around, but how does this all tie in to the conspiracy that Peter Sutherland is beginning to unravel?

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025
Vet mobile & Internal Affairs investigation In Suarez’s telling of events, his relationship with Carollo began to unravel after Suarez discovered a trove of veterinary supplies at the Bayfront Park Management Trust headquarters in April.

— Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025