unravel
1 of 1verb/ʌnˈrævəl/
Forms:unravels,unraveling,unraveled,unraveled
1
to undo or separate the threads or strands of something woven, knitted, or intertwined
- She began to unravel the sweater to reuse the yarn.
- I had to unravel the threads to fix the torn fabric.
- He carefully unraveled the tangled rope.
- She unraveled the braid to comb her hair.
- The old carpet was unraveled for recycling.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
2
(of a scheme, system, organization, etc.) to begin to fail or fall apart
- The company's plans began to unravel after the key investor pulled out.
- The social media campaign unraveled after a series of missteps by the team.
- The agreement has unraveled due to recent disagreements between the partners.
- If the issues are not addressed, the project will unravel by the end of the quarter.
- By next year, the strategy will have unraveled if the current problems are not resolved.
3
(of threads, ropes, or tangled objects) to come apart
- The scarf unraveled after catching on a nail.
- The fishing net began to unravel in the water.
- The threads of the carpet unraveled over time.
- The knot unraveled with a simple tug.
- The scarf started to unravel at the edges.
Antonyms:
4
to make something clear or understandable
- The professor unraveled the theory for the students.
- The guide unraveled the mysteries of the ancient city.
- She unraveled the complex instructions into simple steps.
- The article unraveled the causes of the crisis.
- The documentary unraveled the history behind the artwork.