untangle

[uhn-tang-guhl]

verb (used with object)

untangled, untangling 

1. to bring out of a tangled state; disentangle; unsnarl.

2. to straighten out or clear up (anything confused or perplexing).

untangle

/ ʌnˈtæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to free from a tangled condition

2. to free from perplexity or confusion

Word History and Origins

Origin of untangle¹

First recorded in 1540–50; un- ² + tangle ¹

Example Sentences

Working in concert, the two must untangle a crime of ingenious intricacy relying on their instincts, their logic, and a dogged pursuit of the facts.

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What happened next makes for an intense, and intensely observed, memoir that has taken Palmer nearly 50 years to untangle.

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How do countries untangle themselves from waves of political violence?

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Shapiro dexterously untangles the Gordian knot of their entwined passions, shared ambitions and business bottom lines.

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In the tradition of the finest memoir writing, the author spares no one, herself least of all, as she untangles the bad from the good while still allowing for some tricky knots.

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Related Words

• clear up 
• disentangle 
• extricate 
• unravel 
• unscramble