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Definition of untangle

untangle

/ʌnˈtæŋ.ɡəl/
un · tan · gle
Adjective:untangled
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Past Simple:untangled
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Past Participle:untangled
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Present Participle:untangling
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untangle Lexical Profile

untangle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To free from a tangled, knotted, or twisted state; to separate strands, cords, or hair that are snarled together.

Example

"She used a wide-toothed comb to gently untangle her wet hair after swimming."

2

To resolve, clarify, or sort out something complicated, confusing, or muddled.

Example

"The forensic accountant spent weeks trying to untangle the company's complex financial records."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for untangle

• Nearby Words

untamable
untamably
untamed
untangle
untanned
untapped
untarnished

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century from the reversative prefix 'un-' and 'tangle', a Middle English word likely of North Germanic origin related to Old Norse 'þöngull' (seaweed), referring to its matted, twisted fronds.

Cite this Entry

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