unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd How to pronounce unwind (audio)
unwound ˌən-ˈwau̇nd How to pronounce unwind (audio) ; unwinding; unwinds
Synonyms of unwindnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to uncoil : wind off : unroll
b
: to free from or as if from a binding or wrapping
c
: to release from tension : relax
2
archaic : to trace to the end
… unwinding the labyrinth and bringing the hero out …—Laurence Sterne
3
: to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps
… unwound most of its natural gas hedges …—The New York Times

intransitive verb

1
: to become uncoiled or disentangled : unfold
2
: to become released from tension
take a bath to unwind

Synonyms of unwind

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Examples of unwind in a Sentence

She unwound some thread from the spool. The fishing line unwound quickly. I wanted to unwind after a hard day.
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.
Each room is thoughtfully designed for travelers looking to unwind—luxurious beds, tasteful lighting, boho-minimal decor, and plentiful smart storage. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026 When Mother Nature blesses the area with heavy snow, tee up for a day of skiing at nearby Windham and Hunter mountains, post up with s’mores in front of the fire pits on the property, or unwind in its Finnish-style sauna. — Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026 By then, the transaction is already moving, making fraud more difficult and more expensive to unwind. — Robert Granados, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Now the Department of Justice is knocking on the door, and Walter is scrambling to unwind deals and pay back billions before the feds bring the hammer down. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwind

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwind was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unwind

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Browse Nearby Words

unwincing
unwind
unwinder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwind. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unwind

verb
un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd How to pronounce unwind (audio)
ˈən-
unwound -ˈwau̇nd How to pronounce unwind (audio) ; unwinding
1
a
: to cause to uncoil : wind off
b
: to become uncoiled or untangled
2
: to make or become free of tension : relax
wanted to unwind after a hard day

More from Merriam-Webster on unwind

Nglish: Translation of unwind for Spanish Speakers

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