unravelled
Thread by thread
Unravelled is the past tense of unravel, meaning to come apart thread by thread or to solve something complex.
A sweater unravels when its yarn loosens; a mystery unravels when its secrets emerge.
Plans or composure can unravel—fall apart under pressure: The deal unravelled after the scandal broke.
Also spelled unraveled.
Separated what was knotted
- loosenedMade less tight
- freedReleased from confinement
- untwinedSeparated twisted strands
- unboundNot tied down
separated · unknotted · unwound · extricated · straightened · uncoiled · unsnarled · unkinked
Converted from cipher
- decipheredConverted from code
- figured outUnderstood after effort
- crackedHaving surface fractures
- explainedMade something understandable
understood · pieced together · uncovered · revealed · demystified · worked out · interpreted · unlocked
Broke into components
- disintegratedBroke into parts
- deterioratedBecame worse over time
- crumbledBroke into particles
- broke downFailed mechanically or emotionally
imploded · unfolded · dissolved · collapsed · failed · derailed · spiraled · destabilized
Fiber for stitching
- yarnTwisted strand for crafts
- knittingLoop-based textile making
- weavingInterlacing strands into fabric
- fabricWoven or knit material
wool · cotton · silk · fiber · stitching · sewing · unspun · frayed
Concealed information
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- cover-upHiding wrongdoing from public
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
intrigue · scheme · hidden truth · web of lies · scandal · enigma · riddle · whodunit
untangled
Separated what was knotted
unbound · separated · unknotted · unwound · extricated · straightened · uncoiled · unsnarled · unkinked · smoothed
decoded
Converted from cipher
- decipheredConverted from code
- figured outUnderstood after effort
- crackedHaving surface fractures
explained · understood · pieced together · uncovered · revealed · demystified · worked out · interpreted · unlocked · discovered
fell apart
Broke into components
- disintegratedBroke into parts
- deterioratedBecame worse over time
- crumbledBroke into particles
broke down · imploded · unfolded · dissolved · collapsed · failed · derailed · spiraled · destabilized · fragmented
thread
Fiber for stitching
- yarnTwisted strand for crafts
- knittingLoop-based textile making
- weavingInterlacing strands into fabric
fabric · wool · cotton · silk · fiber · stitching · sewing · unspun · frayed · unwoven
secrets
Concealed information
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- cover-upHiding wrongdoing from public
deception · intrigue · scheme · hidden truth · web of lies · scandal · enigma · riddle · whodunit · case
unravelledobscured
Made hard to perceive
concealed · mystified · complicated · confused · muddled
unravelledheld together
Maintained structural unity
intact · cohered · unified · consolidated · stabilized