UNTANGLE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of untangle are disembarrass , disencumber , disentangle , and extricate . 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 'untangle'?

The meanings of disembarrass and untangle largely overlap; however, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders. // disembarrassed herself of her advisers

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

The synonyms disencumber and untangle are sometimes interchangeable, but disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down. // an article disencumbered of jargon

Q: When is it sensible to use 'extricate' instead of 'untangle'?

The words extricate and untangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation. // extricated himself from financial difficulties

untangle

verb

ˌən-ˈtaŋ-gəl

Definition of untangle next

as in to unravel

to separate the various strands of gently untangled the baby's hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to disentangle

to set free from entanglement or difficulty I was finally able to untangle myself from my credit problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb untangle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untangle are disembarrass, disencumber, disentangle, and extricate. 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 untangle?

The meanings of disembarrass and untangle largely overlap; however, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When can disencumber be used instead of untangle?

The synonyms disencumber and untangle are sometimes interchangeable, but disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

When is it sensible to use extricate instead of untangle?

The words extricate and untangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 untangle Her husband died deep in debt, leaving her an extraordinary mess to untangle. —

Natasha Frost, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Here are some of the ways science sparked a new understanding of historical figures in 2024, and in some cases, led to more mysteries that have yet to be untangled. —

Cnn, The Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2024 The work isn’t always glamorous—whether negotiating drilling rights or untangling land deals—but the steady effort, the long hours, and the attention to detail make the industry tick. —

Jay R. Young, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 Always inspect and untangle the light strands before storing. —

Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for untangle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangle

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