Meaning & use
unravel
Last updated
to undo or separate the twisted or knitted threads of something, or to investigate and solve something complicated.
See it in a sentence
The sweater began to unravel after she pulled a loose thread.
Detectives worked for months to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance.
A note on using this word
Often used figuratively to describe a plan, relationship, or mental state gradually falling apart, as in 'his story started to unravel.'
Words with a similar meaning
untangleunwind
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. verb
(of a plan, relationship, or situation) to gradually fall apart or fail.
Their friendship began to unravel after the argument.
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