unsnarl

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ʌnˈsnɑːl/

KK: /ʌnˈsnɑrl/

transitive verb

Definition

To remove knots or tangles from something, making it straight or clear.

Example

She had to unsnarl the tangled headphones before using them.

Tense Forms

Past: unsnarled

Past Participle: unsnarled

Conversation

My headphones got all tangled up again.

Ugh, that’s so annoying! Do you need help to unsnarl them?

Yeah, I would appreciate that! It always takes me forever to figure it out.

No problem! Just give them to me, and I’ll have them unsnarl in no time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

untangle

unravel

disentangle

Antonyms

tangle

snarl

entangle

Root Explanation

Unsnarl → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or to reverse) and "snarl" (from Old English "sneorlan", meaning to entangle or twist). The word "unsnarl" means to reverse the entanglement or to untwist something that is snarled.

Memory Tip

Think of 'un-' meaning to reverse and 'snarl' meaning to entangle. So, unsnarl means to untangle or reverse an entanglement.

Visually Confused Words

ensnarl