ravel
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ravel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To tangle or complicate something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Borrowed from Dutch ravelen/rafelen, meaning to tangle or fray; the exact origin beyond that is uncertain.
Full origin of ravel →Frequently asked questions
What does “ravel” mean?
The word “ravel” means to tangle or complicate something. In plain terms, confusingly, ravel can mean both to tangle something up AND to come apart/unravel — context decides which.
How do you pronounce “ravel”?
“Ravel” is pronounced RA-vuhl (/ˈɹævəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ravel” in a sentence?
Here is “ravel” used in a sentence: “The kitten managed to ravel the ball of yarn into a knot.”
What part of speech is “ravel”?
Depending on how it is used, “ravel” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “ravel” come from?
The word “ravel” comes from Dutch. Borrowed from Dutch ravelen/rafelen, meaning to tangle or fray; the exact origin beyond that is uncertain.
How many meanings does “ravel” have?
“Ravel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to tangle or complicate something.