1. to separate the threads of something woven or knitted
2. to solve or explain something complicated or mysterious
3. to fall apart or fail gradually

Examples

• The cat played with the yarn until it began to unravel.
• She carefully unraveled the old sweater to reuse the wool.
• The detective worked to unravel the mystery of the missing painting.
• Scientists are trying to unravel the secrets of DNA.
• The company’s finances began to unravel after the scandal.
• His alibi started to unravel under questioning.
• The peace agreement unraveled when both sides violated the terms.