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Definition of unsnarl

unsnarl

/ʌnˈsnɑːrl/
un · snarl
Adjective:unsnarled
•
Past Simple:unsnarled
•
Past Participle:unsnarled
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Present Participle:unsnarling
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unsnarl Lexical Profile

unsnarl Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To remove knots or tangles from something, such as hair, thread, or rope; to untangle.

Example

"She spent twenty minutes trying to unsnarl the fishing line before giving up."

2

To resolve or bring order to a confused, congested, or complicated situation (such as traffic or bureaucracy).

Example

"City planners are working on a new transit schedule to unsnarl the morning commute."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unsnarl
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unsnarl

• Rhymes for unsnarl

• Nearby Words

unsmooth
unsmoothed
unsnap
unsnarl
unsociable
unsociably
unsocial

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the reversative prefix 'un-' and 'snarl' (in the sense of a knot or tangle), which itself derives from Middle English 'snare', related to Old Norse 'snara' meaning a noose or trap.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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