as in to free
to set free from entanglement or difficulty still struggling to disembarrass herself of the emotional baggage of a failed relationship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disembarrass differ from other similar words?

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

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When might disencumber be a better fit than disembarrass?

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

an article disencumbered of jargon

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

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

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When is it sensible to use extricate instead of disembarrass?

The words extricate and disembarrass 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disembarrass
Verb
  • In the fall, massive interest in the Menendez case and freeing the brothers erupted following the runaway success of Ryan Murphy‘s Netflix limited seroes Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story.
    Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The Dolphins’ two options would be releasing him (which wouldn’t free up significant cap space until after June 1) or keeping him but with terms of the contract adjusted to save Miami money and cap space.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Find even more tech deals at Walmart today, and keep on saving!
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In addition, remote workers and people who are looking to save money have found benefits and freedom while living in a van.
    Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That was really liberating at the time for women and looked scary to men.
    A Martínez, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This might fly in the face of everything a business leader has been taught about being an expert, but trust me, the results of this kind of thinking are liberating.
    Christian Davies FCSD, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This ticket must be redeemed at the Tallahassee main office or one of the Florida Lottery district offices, which are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • So, for example, 100 Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for $100.
    Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Wright said an injured woman had to be extricated by crews with the New London Fire Department.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Austen is trying to repair a friendship, and Craig is trying to extricate himself from a business deal and attempt to do it on the cheap.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Disembarrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disembarrass. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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