unravel

[ʌnˈrævəl]

unravel Definition

• 1. to undo or untangle something that is knotted or woven together
• 2. to solve or explain something that is complicated or confusing

Using unravel: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "unravel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She carefully unraveled the knot in the string.

• Example

  The detective worked tirelessly to unravel the mystery.

• Example

  The negotiations between the two countries began to unravel when one side refused to compromise.

• Example

  The sweater started to unravel after she accidentally snagged it on a nail.

unravel Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for unravel

• untangle
• unwind
• disentangle
• solve
• resolve

Antonyms for unravel

• tangle
• complicate
• confuse

Idioms Using unravel

• unravel at the seams

  to fall apart or fail completely, often due to underlying weaknesses or flaws

  Example

  The company's finances began to unravel at the seams after a series of bad investments.

• unravel the mystery

  to solve or explain a complicated or confusing situation or problem

  Example

  The detective was determined to unravel the mystery of the missing jewels.

• unravel the truth

  to uncover or reveal the true facts or nature of a situation

  Example

  Through careful investigation, the journalist was able to unravel the truth behind the politician's scandal.

Phrases with unravel

• ravel and unravel

  to become more and more complicated or confusing, especially as a result of attempts to solve a problem

  Example

  The situation has been raveling and unraveling for months now, with no clear resolution in sight.

• unravel the thread

  to trace the development or history of something back to its origins

  Example

  By studying ancient texts, historians hope to unravel the thread of human civilization and better understand our past.

• unravel a plot

  to reveal the details or secrets of a complicated plan or scheme

  Example

  The spy was able to unravel the enemy's plot and prevent a major attack.

Origins of unravel

from Middle Dutch 'ravelen', meaning 'to tangle'

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Summary: unravel in Brief

The verb 'unravel' [ʌnˈrævəl] means to undo or untangle something that is knotted or woven together, or to solve or explain something that is complicated or confusing. It can refer to physical objects like knots or woven fabrics, or abstract concepts like mysteries or problems. Examples include 'She carefully unraveled the knot in the string,' and 'The detective worked tirelessly to unravel the mystery.'