Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disentangle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disentangle are disembarrass, disencumber, extricate, and untangle. While all these words mean "to free from what binds or holds back," disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things.

disentangling fact from fiction
untangle a web of deceit

When might disembarrass be a better fit than disentangle?

Although the words disembarrass and disentangle have much in common, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When can disencumber be used instead of disentangle?

In some situations, the words disencumber and disentangle are roughly equivalent. However, disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

In what contexts can extricate take the place of disentangle?

The synonyms extricate and disentangle are sometimes interchangeable, but extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation.

extricated himself from financial difficulties

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disentangle Peter Dutton, a senior fellow in the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale Law School, said this isn’t the end of the decoupling debate — just a recognition that disentangling two giant economies will be far harder than political slogans suggest. Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 12 May 2025 But Hogg, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivor who aims to reform the Democratic Party, claimed Monday that the committee vote can't be disentangled from his dispute with the party. Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 13 May 2025 Brexit’s drag on the British economy is no longer much debated, though its effects have been at times hard to disentangle from subsequent shocks delivered by the coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine and, now, Mr. Trump’s tariffs. Mark Landler, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Malone was a major stakeholder in the cable company, which maneuvered to join forces with the far-larger WarnerMedia after AT&T sought to disentangle itself from Hollywood following its short ownership of the film and television studio. Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disentangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disentangle
Verb
  • The film centers on Kosiński at a time when his life and literary career unravelled after having the authenticity of his work called into question by two reporters from The Village Voice.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • Further studies will be needed to unravel the mystery.
    Mike Bezemek, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The raptor stayed on top of her, even as the woman’s partner tried to free her.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • And, of course, using social media less could also free up more time for parents to spend playing with their kids.
    Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Determined to liberate Panem, Katniss and her fellow rebels embark on a dangerous journey into the heart of the Capitol to save the nation from President Snow’s tyranny once and for all.
    Kelly Martinez Published, EW.com, 5 July 2025
  • Technology leaders must liberate their technology roadmap to serve the business first and technology vendors last.
    Rob LaMear, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • She was extricated from under the car and taken to a hospital in Detroit, where the sheriff said she was pronounced dead July 6. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to have been a factor in the crash, which authorities said was accidental.
    Mike Stunson July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2025
  • But even if Iran’s leaders are willing to give up many of their demands to extricate themselves from war with the United States, Trump’s heavy use of threats will fail to bring them back to the negotiating table.
    Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • In the government’s rebuttal, prosecutor Comey explained the impossible task of trying to untangle love and abuse.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • After untangling from a tumultuous relationship inside the major label system, the R&B singer couldn’t be more thrilled in her partnership with EMPIRE, as Claudio joined the indie powerhouse earlier in 2025.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.
    Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • For more ways to save on your power bill or to see if opting out makes sense for your budget, visit Cyberguy.com/SaveonPower 7) Monitor comfort and performance Keep an eye on how your AC performs during demand events.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • If your team seems disengaged, mistakes will be made, productivity will decrease and organizational outcomes will suffer.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • McCray disengaged, but saw Corder drop to the ground.
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • This promo from Caesars Sportsbook is easy to redeem.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • And once a company goes public, users can redeem their tokens for the market equivalent in a stablecoin.
    Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disentangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disentangle. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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