unknot

[ uhn-not ]

verb (used with object)

, un·knot·ted, un·knot·ting.

1. to untie by or as if by undoing a knot:

   to unknot a tie.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unknot¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + knot ¹

Example Sentences

On a recent morning in a Turkish cafe in ‌north London, Deborah Levy unknotted the silk scarf ‌around her neck in preparation.

From New York Times

Along the way, well before Ruiz unknotted the score, there was a list of problems for the Nationals, none unique to their quick trip to the desert.

From Washington Post

“This one is for smaller buttons. ... This one helps unknot shoelaces and stuff like that,” she says.

From Washington Post

I also ordered a bottle of Slovakian riesling — honey-scented, grown on the banks of the Danube and costing just $17 in that brief but glorious period of unknotted alcohol laws.

From New York Times

“What do you appreciate? Maybe the smooth, green leaves on a house plant or the comfort of a pillow get your shoulders unknotting.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• disentangle
• loosen
• untangle