Synonym Chooser

How does the verb untangle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of untangle are disembarrass, disencumber, disentangle, and extricate. 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 untangle?

The meanings of disembarrass and untangle largely overlap; however, disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders.

disembarrassed herself of her advisers

When can disencumber be used instead of untangle?

The synonyms disencumber and untangle are sometimes interchangeable, but disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down.

an article disencumbered of jargon

When is it sensible to use extricate instead of untangle?

The words extricate and untangle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 untangle Schatz added that by at least one expert’s estimation, untangling the frozen and terminated grants could take 18 months. Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 10 June 2025 With two powerful suction levels, this vacuum tackles deep cleaning on both carpets and hard floors, and its brush head effortlessly lifts debris while untangling stubborn hair. Toni Sutton, People.com, 28 June 2025 While more research is needed to untangle the exact mechanisms and timelines, the findings suggest a need for integrated mental and physical healthcare in people with autoimmune conditions. New Atlas, 24 June 2025 At the heart of it all is one major hurdle — untangling the operational complexity that prevents AI agents from delivering on their promise. Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for untangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangle
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
  • It’s always been hard to disentangle The Bear’s medium from its message.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 June 2025
  • Set in Venice, the film follows a black cat named Nero who befriends a street musician and struggles to disentangle himself from the feline mob.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 13 June 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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