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.
The Houthis had remained largely on the sidelines of the current war between the U.S. and Iran until a ceasefire in Yemen unraveled in July.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
At once pragmatic and playful, Anderson seems to be taking on the world these days like someone who’s unraveled a deeper mystery.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 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
The Hunts’ broader silver gambit—which drove up prices for the precious metal—was unraveled by regulators in 1980 and silver prices crashed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026
You make something, seems like, and spend the rest of your days toiling so it won’t go all unraveled.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
