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
The frustration at the chargers has unraveled in a city where officials were skeptical of Waymo before its launch.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
The situation unraveled just as Paul was poised to make her debut as the heroine of the 22nd season of “The Bachelorette.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
WSJ’s Tomas Navia investigates how the company unraveled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
Using a razor blade, she nicked the next dot on one of her pencils and unraveled the paper.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
