unravel
verb
un·rav·el
ˌən-ˈra-vəl 
unraveled; unraveling; unravels
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
: to become unraveled
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
The celebrated photographer captures a world already unravelling.
—
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Is there anything remotely luxurious about a $5,000+ bag whose stitching begins to unravel after only a handful of wears?
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
However, their relationship began to unravel in 2024, with Cartwright announcing their separation in February of that year and filing for divorce in August.
—Jane Lacroix, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Her relentless pursuit of the truth unearths a tangled web of lies that threatens to unravel everything she’s built.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
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Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Is there anything remotely luxurious about a $5,000+ bag whose stitching begins to unravel after only a handful of wears?
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
However, their relationship began to unravel in 2024, with Cartwright announcing their separation in February of that year and filing for divorce in August.
—Jane Lacroix, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Her relentless pursuit of the truth unearths a tangled web of lies that threatens to unravel everything she’s built.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unravel
Cite this Entry
“Unravel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unravel. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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