unscrew

verb

un·​screw ˌən-ˈskrü How to pronounce unscrew (audio)
unscrewed; unscrewing; unscrews
Synonyms of unscrewnext

transitive verb

1
: to draw the screws from
2
: to loosen or withdraw by turning

intransitive verb

: to become or admit of being unscrewed
The lid unscrews easily.

Examples of unscrew in a Sentence

I unscrewed the jar lid. You'll need to unscrew the cover before you remove it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To remove hard water buildup from the aerator, unscrew it from the faucet and soak it in a small bowl of vinegar for 30 to 60 minutes. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 That enables robots to perform tasks like sealing a Ziploc, tying a trash bag, or unscrewing a lightbulb. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 30 July 2026 Those charges stem from Vick allegedly breaking into a former girlfriend’s home, and he is accused of stealing multiple electronic devices, as well as unscrewing the camera that had been located on the porch of her home. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026 By unscrewing any bulb, the consumer can hook a line directly off that. — William Jones, USA Today, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unscrew

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unscrew was in 1605

Rhymes for unscrew

See All Rhymes for unscrew

Browse Nearby Words

unscreened
unscrew
unscripted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unscrew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unscrew. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unscrew

verb
un·​screw ˌən-ˈskrü How to pronounce unscrew (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to remove the screws from
2
: to loosen or withdraw by turning
unscrew a lightbulb

More from Merriam-Webster on unscrew

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unscrew

Nglish: Translation of unscrew for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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