untangle

[ uhn-tang-guhl ]

verb (used with object)

, un·tan·gled, un·tan·gling.

1. to bring out of a tangled state; disentangle; unsnarl.
2. to straighten out or clear up (anything confused or perplexing).

untangle

/ ʌnˈtæŋɡəl /

verb

1. to free from a tangled condition
2. to free from perplexity or confusion

Word History and Origins

Origin of untangle¹

First recorded in 1540–50; un- ² + tangle ¹

Example Sentences

They underscore the senator’s central thesis that any moves to untangle US-China economic ties must feature corresponding actions to mitigate the resulting disruption.

From Vox

Beane then began to untangle the team’s salary cap issues and, in conjunction with McDermott, revamp the roster.

From Washington Post

Of course, there are two other factors here that are a bit harder to untangle.

From FiveThirtyEight

Next the Nationals have to untangle the rest of their affiliates.

From Washington Post

Since taste works similarly in mice and humans, Medler says, untangling how such cells work may someday help scientists bring the flavor back for people who have lost the sense of taste.

From Science News

How will they find legal advice to help them untangle the legal nightmare of applying for and qualifying for asylum?

From The Daily Beast

A few doors down, Jeff Nier was trying to figure out how to untangle the three-car pile-up in his driveway.

From The Daily Beast

Observers, meanwhile, will continue to untangle Magnotta's reality, breaking down the legend he spent years building up online.

From The Daily Beast

It will take an outsider to untangle the pernicious insiders' club that Berlusconi created in the Italian government.

From The Daily Beast

Come Thursday, the Moon causes misunderstandings that you find impossible to untangle.

From The Daily Beast

He gets out and does things while these fatheads stay in quarters and untangle red tape.

From Project Gutenberg

Your philosophy may be a trifle mixed, but it will untangle itself later on.

From Project Gutenberg

Ethnology is not yet entirely able to untangle the complicated problems connected with these racial fusions.

From Project Gutenberg

I was going to say, I'm turning it over to the government to untangle, even while making use of the inventories of radioactives.

From Project Gutenberg

Shag is an early riser, said Peg, trying to untangle herself from the things that held her on the rim of a cot.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clear up
• disentangle
• extricate
• unravel
• unscramble