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Definition of ravel

ravel

/ˈræv.əl/
rav · el
Plural:ravels
•
Past Simple:raveled
•
Past Participle:raveled
•
Present Participle:raveling
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ravel Lexical Profile

ravel Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To untangle, separate, or fray into single, loose threads (of a woven or knitted fabric).

Example

"The hem of the old wool sweater began to ravel after several washes."

2

To tangle, knot, or complicate a situation, problem, or mass of threads.

Example

"Conflicting testimonies served only to ravel the investigation further."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A tangle, knot, or complicated cluster of threads, fibers, or ideas.

Example

"She spent the afternoon patiently working through a stubborn ravel of yarn."

2

A loose or separated thread pulled from a woven or knitted fabric.

Example

"He snipped off the stray ravel hanging from the cuff of his jacket."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ravel

Word Nuance & Usage

"Ravel" is a contronym (auto-antonym) because it can mean both to tangle/complicate and to untangle/separate threads, making it curiously synonymous with its own derivative "unravel" in the sense of separating fibers.

• Rhymes for ravel

• Nearby Words

ravage
ravager
rave
ravel
raven
raven cliff
raven cliff falls

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Dutch ravelen, meaning "to tangle" or "to fray out."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ravel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ravel
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