untangle

[ uhn-tang-guhl ]
/ ʌnˈtæŋ gəl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR untangle ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), un·tan·gled, un·tan·gling.

to bring out of a tangled state; disentangle; unsnarl.
to straighten out or clear up (anything confused or perplexing).

QUIZZES

QUIZ YOURSELF ON THESE WORDS FROM BROWN GIRL DREAMING!

Visualize yourself passing this quiz on words from Jacqueline Woodson’s exquisite verse novel “Brown Girl Dreaming,” and then take the quiz to prove you can do it! (Because you can.)
Question 1 of 10
What does “barren” mean?
a cylindrical wooden container with slightly bulging sides.
Worn down by dullness, tedious repetition.
unproductive; unfruitful
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of untangle

First recorded in 1540–50; un-2 + tangle1

Words nearby untangle

untack, untainted, untalented, untamable, untamed, untangle, untapped, untarnished, untaught, untaxed, unteach
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to untangle

extricate, unravel, clear up, disentangle, unscramble, explain, solve, disencumber, untwist, unsnarl, disembroil, unweave, put in order

Example sentences from the Web for untangle

British Dictionary definitions for untangle

untangle
/ (ʌnˈtæŋɡəl) /

verb (tr)

to free from a tangled condition
to free from perplexity or confusion
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012