unfasten

verb

un·​fas·​ten ˌən-ˈfa-sᵊn How to pronounce unfasten (audio)
unfastened; unfastening; unfastens
Synonyms of unfastennext

transitive verb

: to make loose: such as
a
: unpin, unbuckle
b
: undo
unfasten a button
c
: detach
unfasten a boat from its moorings

Synonyms

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Examples of unfasten in a Sentence

gently unfastened the strings of the baby's hood
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.
His bow tie wants to be untied, his vest buttons unfastened, his top hat removed. — James Meyer, Artforum, 1 May 2025 On Black Friday last year, with the Chiefs and Raiders reserved for a national TV audience, quarterback Patrick Mahomes slammed a football between his hands and angrily unfastened his chin strap before yelling toward the sideline. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025 Grant, meanwhile, wore a simple black suit and a white button-up shirt with the first few buttons unfastened in a boyish manner. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025 Ayoola attempted to put his fingers between his neck and the seatbelt, and was unable to unfasten his seatbelt. — Landon Mion, Fox News, 8 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for unfasten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for unfasten

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Browse Nearby Words

unfashioned
unfasten
unfastidious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfasten. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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Kids Definition

unfasten

verb
un·​fas·​ten ˌən-ˈfas-ᵊn How to pronounce unfasten (audio)
: to make loose: as
a
: unpin, unbuckle
b
: undo sense 1
unfasten a button
c
: detach
unfasten the boat from its moorings

More from Merriam-Webster on unfasten

Nglish: Translation of unfasten for Spanish Speakers

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