unravel
Americanverb (used with object)
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to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).
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to free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve.
to unravel a situation; to unravel a mystery.
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Informal. to take apart; undo; destroy (a plan, agreement, or arrangement).
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to reduce (something knitted or woven) to separate strands
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(tr) to undo or untangle (something tangled or knotted)
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(tr) to explain or solve
the mystery was unravelled
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(intr) to become unravelled
Other Word Forms
- unraveler noun
- unraveller noun
- unravelment noun
Etymology
Origin of unravel
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
How it all unraveled, culminating in FBI raids on the superintendent.
From Los Angeles Times
It was a painfully familiar scene for the Trojans, who have found new ways to unravel after halftime all season.
From Los Angeles Times
Financial markets will be watching in the coming days to gauge whether the latest attack on a Chinese ally could cause the fragile trade truce between the U.S. and China to unravel.
From Barron's
Faithfuls are slowly unraveling as they realize they trust no one.
From Salon
The Summers-Epstein exchanges released in November ignited a new round of scrutiny and led to the unraveling of Summers’ prestigious career.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
