disencumber

verb

ˌdis-in-ˈkəm-bər How to pronounce disencumber (audio)
Definition of disencumbernext
1
as in to unload
to empty or rid of cargo we disencumbered our pack animals as soon as we made camp that night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to rid
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers a simple statement of the terms of the contract disencumbered of legal jargon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 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
  1. unload
  2. relieve
  3. free
Verb
  • Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Aid groups are unloading food and other critical supplies in the Gaza Strip, after a monthslong blockade that has put children at risk of famine.
    — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2025
  • Once Devon can unload caretaking duties for Bruce (their father), Simone says life is going to get really good for her.
    — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 22 May 2025
Definition of unload
Verb
  • New & Noteworthy Help relieve occasional heartburn, upset stomach, acid indigestion and stress with Pepcid Soothing Gummies, Heartburn Relief + Stress Relief dietary supplements.
    — Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • These memory foam flip-flops have arch support that’ll help relieve pressure on your joints, according to the brand.
    — Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
Definition of relieve
Verb
  • Then, in March, an appeals court acquitted Lee, freeing him to campaign in the snap election.
    — Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • While that might not be for everyone, the principle stands: Fewer low-stakes choices free up capacity for high-impact thinking.
    — Jacob Kupietzky, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of free

Browse Nearby Words

disenchants
disencumber
disencumbered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disencumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disencumber. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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