unravel
verb (used with object)
to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).
unraveled
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past participleof unravel.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof unravel.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
unravelverb (used with object)to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Stevens initially welcomed his response, but their planned joint appearance had already unraveled.
From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2026
When Aschenbrenner’s hedge fund unraveled last month, veterans on Wall Street saw it as the latest cautionary tale of hubris—another inexperienced, overconfident investor taking on too much risk with far too much leverage.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
It’s the latest protest case that has unraveled for the U.S. attorney’s office in L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
A brief Treasury-market rally that followed Warsh’s first press conference at the Fed’s helm in June also unraveled.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 26, 2026
And then, just as quickly, the knot unraveled as the bees dispersed, filled the air around Jak and Oz with speed and fire.
From "Orphan Island" by Laurel Snyder
