Definition Synonyms
Definition of tangling - Reverso English Dictionary
Adjective
1.
twistingcausing to become twisted together
- The tangling wires were hard to separate.
2.
complexityconfusing or complicating
- The tangling instructions made the task difficult.
Noun
1.
disorderthe process of things becoming twisted together
- Tangling often happens when you store headphones in your pocket.
2.
twisted massa structure where things are twisted together
- The tangling of the ropes made them hard to separate.
Origin of tangling
Old Norse, tangi (point) + -ling (diminutive suffix)
Terms with tangling included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
tangling
become physically tangled or knotted
boating
nautical device guiding ropes or lines to prevent tangling or obstruction
Examples of tangling in a sentence
Her hair was full of tangling knots after the windy day. The tangling plot of the movie left the audience puzzled. Her tangling explanation only added to the confusion. Tangling of the extension cords made setup take twice as long. She complained about the tangling of her necklace chain in the jewelry box. A tangling of charger cords spilled from the drawer like a nest.
She cut through the tangling of wet hair with a wide-tooth comb.
View all translations of tangling
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:emmêlant, emmêlement, ...
- German:verheddert, Verhedderung, ...
- Italian:ingarbugliato, intreccio, ...
- Spanish:enredado, enredo, ...
- Portuguese:emaranhado, enrolamento, ...
- Chinese:缠绕, 纠缠, ...
- Japanese:絡まった, もつれ, ...
- Arabic:مُتَشَابِك, تَشَابُك, ...
- Hebrew:מְסַבֵּךְ, הִסְתַּבְּכוּת, ...
- Russian:запутанный, запутывание, ...
- Ukrainian:заплутаний, заплутування, ...
- Hindi:उलझा हुआ, उलझन, ...
Definition of tangle - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
physical masstwisted mass of things intertwined
- The wires formed a tangle behind the desk.
2.
conflictargument or conflict
- They got into a tangle over the rules.
3.
confusioncomplicated or confused situation
- She found herself in a legal tangle.
4.
medicalTECH. helical fragment in nerve cellsTECH.
- The doctor examined the tau tangle.
Verb
1.
physical objectstr./intr. mix or twist together into a confused masstr./intr.
- She tangled the wires behind the TV.
2.
involve confusiontr. involve in a confusing or complicated situationtr.
- He managed to tangle himself in a web of lies..
3.
conflictintr. Rare enter into an argument or conflictintr. Rare
- They often tangle over politics.
Images of tangle

twisted mass of things intertwined
Expressions with tangle
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
twisted together in a messy way
His hair was in a tangle after the wind.
cause something to become twisted together
She managed to tangle up the wires.
become caught or twisted in something messy
My headphones always get into a tangle in my bag.
engage in a conflict or dispute
She often tangles with her brother over chores.
became twisted or caught together in a messy way
We got into a tangle with the fishing lines.
become involved in a confusing situation
He got in a tangle with his homework last night.
become upset over something trivial
Don't get your shorts in a tangle over the delay.
plant with small white or purple flowers
Turkey tangle fogfruit grows well in moist areas.
become overly upset or agitated about something
Don't get your knickers in a tangle over the small stuff.
brown seaweed of the genus Laminaria
Sea tangle is often used in Asian cuisine.
Origin of tangle
Old English, tangol (entangle)
Examples of tangle in a sentence
The garden hose was in a hopeless tangle. The tangle between the two departments delayed the project. A tangle arose during the negotiations, causing tension. The project turned into a bureaucratic tangle. His emotions were in a tangle after the news. The scientist studied the brain tangle under the microscope.
Researchers are investigating the role of the tangle in Alzheimer's disease. The wind tangled the kite strings. He managed to tangle the necklaces in his pocket. She didn't want to tangle herself in office politics. The negotiations began to tangle as more issues arose. The siblings would often tangle over trivial matters. She didn't want to tangle with him about the decision.
View all translations of tangle
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:enchevêtrement, emmêler, ...
- German:Gewirr, verwirren, ...
- Italian:groviglio, aggrovigliare, ...
- Spanish:enredo, enredar, ...
- Portuguese:emaranhado, enrolar, ...
- Chinese:缠结, 缠绕, ...
- Japanese:絡まり, 絡ませる, ...
- Arabic:كَتْلَة مُتَشَابِكَة, شَبَّكَ, ...
- Hebrew:סְבַךְ, לְסַבֵּךְ, ...
- Russian:спутанный клубок, запутывать, ...
- Ukrainian:клубок, заплутати, ...
- Hindi:उलझाव, उलझाना, ...

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