1 disentangle | Definition of disentangle

disentangle

verb
dis·​en·​tan·​gle | \ ËŒdis-in-ˈtaÅ‹-gÉ™l How to pronounce disentangle (audio) \
disentangled; disentangling; disentangles

Definition of disentangle

transitive verb

: to free from entanglement : unravel

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Other Words from disentangle

disentanglement \ ËŒdis-​in-​ˈtaÅ‹-​gÉ™l-​mÉ™nt How to pronounce disentanglement (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for disentangle

Synonyms

ravel (out), unbraid, unlay, unravel, unsnarl, untangle, untwine, untwist, unweave

Antonyms

entangle, snarl, tangle

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Choose the Right Synonym for disentangle

extricate, disentangle, untangle, disencumber, disembarrass mean to free from what binds or holds back. extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation. extricated himself from financial difficulties disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things. disentangling fact from fiction untangle a web of deceit disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down. an article disencumbered of jargon disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders. disembarrassed herself of her advisers

Examples of disentangle in a Sentence

it took forever to disentangle the knot the years that it took to disentangle ourselves from our troubles after someone started using our social security numbers

Recent Examples on the Web

The Chamber of Commerce, too, is in the early phases of disentangling itself from the Republican Party after decades of loyalty. Paul Wiseman, Fortune, "Businesses Are Getting Spooked by Trump's Trade Policy," 12 June 2019 The Chamber of Commerce, too, is in the early phases of disentangling itself from the Republican Party after decades of loyalty. Time, "'It's Bad News For the Free Market.' U.S. Businesses Are Spooked by President Trump's Trade Policies," 12 June 2019 And even though the Justice Department does keep detailed records of forfeiture cases taken in under the program, Kelly says the data are extremely difficult to disentangle. Radley Balko, Twin Cities, "Radley Balko: Civil asset forfeiture doesn’t discourage drug use or help police solve crimes, study concludes," 16 July 2019 Links between race, poverty and health have been reinforced by years of inequality, and disentangling them won’t be easy. Time, "Your Zip Code Could Affect Your Lifespan. These Maps Show How," 17 June 2019 The disparity could be due to several causes, which are not easy to fully disentangle. James W Vaupel, Quartz, "How long can humans live?," 2 June 2019 Periodically, scholars undertake to solve what is known as the Socratic problem, shorthand for the attempt to disentangle an accurate, verifiable narrative of the life of the historical Socrates from the available sources. Jamie James, WSJ, "‘Socrates in Love’ Review: A Vigorous, Brilliant Young Man," 17 May 2019 The actual purposes of the feast may be hard to disentangle, at least beyond the potential camaraderie. John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Study: Ancient Stonehenge Pig Roasts Brought in People From All Over Britain," 13 Mar. 2019 That would disentangle the company from Mr. Deripaska, but not in a way that advances America’s interests. The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Schumer’s Russia Sanctions Gambit," 14 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disentangle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of disentangle

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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More Definitions for disentangle

disentangle

verb

English Language Learners Definition of disentangle

: to separate (things that are twisted together or caught on one another)
: to remove the twists or knots in (something)

disentangle

verb
dis·​en·​tan·​gle | \ ËŒdi-sᵊn-ˈtaÅ‹-gÉ™l How to pronounce disentangle (audio) \
disentangled; disentangling

Kids Definition of disentangle

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More from Merriam-Webster on disentangle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for disentangle

Spanish Central: Translation of disentangle

Nglish: Translation of disentangle for Spanish Speakers