unravelling
Slowly falling apart
Unravelling is the process of coming apart or being undone—threads separating from fabric, a knot loosening, a mystery being solved piece by piece.
Figuratively, plans unravel when they fall apart: The whole scheme started unravelling once investigators got involved.
A person may unravel under stress, losing composure.
Also spelled unraveling.
Separating twisted strands
- unwindingReleasing coiled tension
- unweavingReversing interlaced work
- detanglingRemoving knots from fibers
- untyingLoosening a fastened cord
loosening · separating · extricating · unthreading · unspooling · unpicking · unknotting · unplaiting
Interpreting coded information
- solvingFinding the answer
- figuring outReaching understanding through thought
- piecing togetherAssembling from fragments
- understandingMental comprehension of something
interpreting · analyzing · investigating · uncovering · explaining · clarifying · demystifying · cracking
Gradually breaking into pieces
- disintegratingBreaking down gradually
- collapsingFalling inward suddenly
- crumblingBreaking down gradually
- breaking downStopping working properly
fraying · coming undone · degenerating · decaying · eroding · fragmenting · decomposing · weakening
Falling inward suddenly
- breaking downStopping working properly
- falling throughFailing to happen
- implodingCollapsing violently inward
- derailingGoing off course
spiraling · backfiring · going wrong · coming undone · dissolving · disintegrating · self-destructing · cratering
Releasing one's grasp
- unburdeningRelieving oneself of weight
- catharsisPurification through emotional expression
- exhalingBreathing air outward
- decompressingReleasing built-up tension
unwinding · shedding · liberating · freeing · relaxing · surrendering · easing · offloading
untangling
Separating twisted strands
- unwindingReleasing coiled tension
- unweavingReversing interlaced work
- detanglingRemoving knots from fibers
untying · loosening · separating · extricating · unthreading · unspooling · unpicking · unknotting · unplaiting · unbraiding
deciphering
Interpreting coded information
- solvingFinding the answer
- figuring outReaching understanding through thought
- piecing togetherAssembling from fragments
understanding · interpreting · analyzing · investigating · uncovering · explaining · clarifying · demystifying · cracking · working out
falling apart
Gradually breaking into pieces
- disintegratingBreaking down gradually
- collapsingFalling inward suddenly
- crumblingBreaking down gradually
breaking down · fraying · coming undone · degenerating · decaying · eroding · fragmenting · decomposing · weakening · wearing thin
collapsing
Falling inward suddenly
- breaking downStopping working properly
- falling throughFailing to happen
- implodingCollapsing violently inward
derailing · spiraling · backfiring · going wrong · coming undone · dissolving · disintegrating · self-destructing · cratering · tanking
letting go
Releasing one's grasp
- unburdeningRelieving oneself of weight
- catharsisPurification through emotional expression
- exhalingBreathing air outward
decompressing · unwinding · shedding · liberating · freeing · relaxing · surrendering · easing · offloading · casting off
unravellingtangling
Intertwining into disorder
knotting · entangling · weaving · braiding · plaiting
unravellingholding together
Remaining unified, not separating
coalescing · coming together · consolidating · strengthening · solidifying
unravellingobscuring
Making less visible
concealing · complicating · mystifying · obfuscating · encrypting