untangle

American  

[uhn-tang-guhl] / ʌnˈtæŋ gəl /

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 British  

/ ʌnˈtæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to free from a tangled condition

2. to free from perplexity or confusion

---

Etymology

Origin of untangle

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

Example Sentences

Ongoing research is working to untangle how proteins, inflammation, neural signaling, and malfunctioning brain cells contribute to these disorders.

From Science Daily

Following the Journal’s recent story about a widow’s struggle to untangle her finances after the death of her husband, we asked readers to share their strategies for avoiding such a scenario.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because we rely so heavily on this natural buffering capacity, scientists are keen to untangle the complex processes that control how carbon enters, moves through, and is stored in the sea.

From Science Daily

Lizza casts himself as another savior, writing: “I had helped her untangle herself from an unusual relationship.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Marcus, the managing editor of Liberties magazine, aims to untangle the legends, rumors and clichés swirling around the artist, and she does so with a personal touch.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• clear up
• disentangle
• extricate
• unravel
• unscramble