1
as in frays
to separate the various strands of
it took us forever to unravel the jumbled mass of Christmas tree lights
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2
as in solves
to find an answer for through reasoning
unraveled the mystery
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Recent Examples of unravels
At the center of the Apple TV show is Coop, played by Jon Hamm, a hedge fund manager whose life unravels quickly.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
But as soon as one flagellar motor reverses direction and starts rotating clockwise, the bundle falls apart; the reverse-twirling filament unravels the braid and puts the cell’s flagellar motors at cross-purposes, kicking the cell around.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
Like the best Marx Brothers routines, these books set up a premise that unravels, with escalating absurdity, while kid listeners are given the satisfaction of knowing more than the story’s narrators.
—Elise Broach, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Created by John Griffin (Crater) From unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town that traps all those who enter.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Sherlock’s first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy, leading to an explosive showdown that alters the course of his life forever.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
However, as the series unravels, Joe finds himself in severe danger when he's kidnapped by a contract killer.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026
The Drama, out April 3, follows a soon-to-be married couple whose relationship unravels in the days leading up to their wedding.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
Set in 1970s America, as television tightens its grip on American culture, veteran anchorman Howard Beale unravels live on air.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
But as soon as one flagellar motor reverses direction and starts rotating clockwise, the bundle falls apart; the reverse-twirling filament unravels the braid and puts the cell’s flagellar motors at cross-purposes, kicking the cell around.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
Like the best Marx Brothers routines, these books set up a premise that unravels, with escalating absurdity, while kid listeners are given the satisfaction of knowing more than the story’s narrators.
—Elise Broach, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Created by John Griffin (Crater) From unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town that traps all those who enter.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Sherlock’s first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy, leading to an explosive showdown that alters the course of his life forever.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
However, as the series unravels, Joe finds himself in severe danger when he's kidnapped by a contract killer.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026
The Drama, out April 3, follows a soon-to-be married couple whose relationship unravels in the days leading up to their wedding.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
Set in 1970s America, as television tightens its grip on American culture, veteran anchorman Howard Beale unravels live on air.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unravels
Verb
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The coalition of supporters frays Still another issue is conflict within the legalization movement itself, particularly between the business and activist wings.—
William Garriott,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2026
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This particular aspect of the show frays the gripping tone that had been so masterfully crafted from its opening scene.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The development solves the long-standing issues of material degradation and leakage (crossover) by re-engineering the iron complex at the molecular level.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
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The series features Cherish as a part-time gardener who solves crimes with the help of her husband, an ex–police chief.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Whether Pirro’s announcement resolves the underlying standoff is a different question.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
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In any case, the new work partly resolves a long-standing conundrum about the Colorado River itself.—
Cody Cottier,
Scientific American,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The film, without proving didactic, untangles the complications of finding appropriate care for someone with her cognitive disabilities, as Emily and Bob struggle with a healthcare system that isn’t set up to support people like her.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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LaToya Jackson answers my questions in a polite but perfunctory monotone.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2026
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In this week’s Hong Kong Edition, our aviation expert Danny Lee answers questions on navigating travel after a surge in airfares.—
Danny Lee,
Bloomberg,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Pro hairstylist Ryan Richman previously described this Briogeo cream as a lightweight, silicone-free heat-protectant cream that minimizes frizz, smooths hair, enhances shine, and protects against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
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The award can be used in any way that smooths a writer’s life or makes good work possible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Joe Biden comes in, undoes all that.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
12 Apr. 2026
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The move undoes restrictions that were previously implemented by former Attorney General Merrick Garland starting in 2022.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unravels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unravels. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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