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 In Towards Zero, Rhys plays a troubled detective who tries to untangle a toxic web of jealousy, deceit and dysfunction. Brianne Tracy, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 And there is no indication that said rights issues will ever be untangled. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 Apr. 2025 Gobert had untangled himself from Podziemski, who fell to the floor. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 May 2025 This got nods of agreement from the rest of us, all of whom have experienced the frustration of untangling tech mid-flight. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for untangle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untangle
Verb
  • But things quickly take a dark turn with the planet seeming to unravel.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
  • Trump’s entire economic agenda is contingent on the tax and spending bill’s passage at the same time the bill’s passage could trigger bond market vigilantes to unravel Trump’s entire economic agenda.
    Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Such actions may well have suppressed both trade and foreign direct investment, although the declines in both are difficult to disentangle from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    ALLISON CARNEGIE, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
  • Hogg claimed the vote can't be disentangled from his dispute with the party.
    Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Then, in March, an appeals court acquitted Lee, freeing him to campaign in the snap election.
    Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • While that might not be for everyone, the principle stands: Fewer low-stakes choices free up capacity for high-impact thinking.
    Jacob Kupietzky, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • His defensive metrics rank among the worst out of all qualified third basemen, with -7 outs above average and -8 defensive runs saved.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
  • Both teams had their first two penalties saved, before Steaua eventually got themselves together to score two… which was enough because Barca missed all four of theirs.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Fire personnel cut through the wire to extricate the three people from the pipe by 9 a.m.
    Christian Martinez, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
  • What a moment for Julian Reese, swishing two free throws to extricate his team from the tightest spot imaginable.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Season 2 offers a chilling, darkly hilarious and oddly liberating spin on a bad day at the office.
    Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Even drinking a large glass of water can remind you to turn off the work-thoughts and liberate yourself to focus on everything else.
    Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Wider adoption of stablecoins may coincide with participation by non-bank firms, which may result in assets that lack the protection of federal deposit insurance and the anti-fraud stipulations allowing users to redeem funds spent wrongfully or mistakenly, some experts said.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 May 2025
  • In addition to purchases at GM dealerships, the credit card also allows customers to gain and redeem points on digital services like most OnStar plans and Super Cruise, the hands-free driver assistance technology.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The next morning, Michaela’s husband, Peter (none other than Kevin Bacon), returns, full of compliments but obviously disengaged.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 22 May 2025
  • Keep in mind that unclear rules can also lead older loyalty members to disengage.
    Len Covello, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Untangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untangle. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on untangle

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