C2verbsciencerelationships
US/ʌnˈræv.əl/
UK/ʌnˈræv.əl/
to undo twisted threads; to solve something mysterious; or to start to fail
In context
Detectives worked for months to unravel the mystery of the missing painting.
Their perfect plan began to unravel when the bank refused the loan.
If you pull that loose thread, the whole sleeve will unravel.
Words that go with unravel
verb + noun
- unravel the mysteryScientists are still trying to unravel the mystery of how birds navigate.
- unravel the secretsThe new telescope may help unravel the secrets of the universe.
- unravel the complexitiesThis course will help you unravel the complexities of tax law.
- unravel the truthThe journalist spent a year trying to unravel the truth about the fire.
adverb + verb
- quickly unravelPeace deals can quickly unravel if trust disappears.
- slowly unravelThe family's secrets slowly unravel over the course of the novel.