easy
I helped unravel the knotted yarn.
What does Unravel mean?
Unravel means to untangle or figure out.
Dictionary definition
To unravel means to untangle something, or to solve or explain something complicated step by step.
Example sentences
Unravel in a sentence
medium
The detective tried to unravel the mystery by studying each clue.
hard
To unravel a difficult argument, students can separate the claims, reasons, and evidence.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice unravel in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Unravel
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does unravel mean?
Unravel can mean untangle string or figure out a difficult idea, problem, or mystery.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to unravel?
Untangle is close in meaning when unravel means separate twisted parts.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses unravel correctly?
This sentence uses unravel to mean figure out something complicated.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Unravel
Voice settings
Sounds like
un · rav · ul · strongest beat: rav
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUnravel.
Partverb.
MeaningUnravel means to untangle or figure out.
ExampleExample: I helped unravel the knotted yarn.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- un · rav · ul
- Strongest beat
- rav
- Ending
- ul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on rav.
Your turn
Say Unravel
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Synonyms
Words like Unravel
Antonyms
Opposite words
tangleUse when things become twisted or confused.
complicateUse when making something harder to understand.
Synonym practice
Want to practice unravel synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The fabric began to fray at the edge," then compare close word choices. Practice unravel synonyms.
Word family
Unravel word family
Base word
ravel
verb
unravel
To untangle or figure out.
verb
unravels
Untangles or solves.
verb
unraveled
Untangled or solved.
verb
unraveling
Untangling or figuring out now.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Unravel
Hint for students
Unravel means to untangle or figure out something complicated. It works for knots, yarn, mysteries, problems, and ideas.
Common mix-up
Do not use unravel only for string. In reading and writing, a character can unravel a mystery or a student can unravel a difficult idea.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows unravel without using the word unravel. Then underline the clue words that show untangling, solving, or explaining something complicated. Example: After reading every clue, Priya finally figured out who moved the missing notebook. Clue words: every clue, finally figured out, missing notebook Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something tangled or confusing becoming clear?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The detective tried to unravel the mystery by studying each clue." Why does unravel fit better than tangle?
Learning activities
Practice Unravel and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice UNRAVEL” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice UNRAVEL
Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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Practice UNRAVEL
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes UNRAVEL.
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Scrambled Bees
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