unravel

American  

[uhn-rav-uhl] / ʌnˈræv əl /

verb (used with object)

unraveled, unraveling, unravelled, unravelling

1. to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).

2. to free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve.

   to unravel a situation; to unravel a mystery.

3. Informal. to take apart; undo; destroy (a plan, agreement, or arrangement).

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verb (used without object)

unraveled, unraveling, unravelled, unravelling

1. to become unraveled.

unravel British  

/ ʌnˈrævəl /

verb

1. (tr) to reduce (something knitted or woven) to separate strands

2. (tr) to undo or untangle (something tangled or knotted)

3. (tr) to explain or solve

   the mystery was unravelled

4. (intr) to become unravelled

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Other Word Forms

• unraveler noun
• unraveller noun
• unravelment noun

Etymology

Origin of unravel

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + ravel

Example Sentences

This routine begins to unravel into a quest for identity and existential meaning when Y is hired to compose a new patriotic anthem.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Gen. Rob Bonta is asking a judge to unravel Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2-billion acquisition of rival TV station owner Tegna — the latest in a flurry of merger twists.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

But sometimes, that friendly farewell can unravel into a 30-minute chat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The underlying calculation is straightforward: that a worsening internal crisis could create the conditions for the Cuban Revolution to unravel from within.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

But now the knot of anger in his gut started to unravel.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• decipher
• resolve
• solve
• undo
• untangle