Definition of unfoldnext
1
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area carefully unfold that antique map so that it doesn't tear

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2
as in to evolve
to gradually become clearer or more detailed as the situation unfolded, it became clear that more help would be needed the movie became more interesting once the mystery began to unfold

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3
as in to bloom
to produce flowers the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

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4

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unfold Surveillance video in the area captured the moment when at least five gunshots can be heard as the incident unfolded. Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026 But the characters unfold before us in their exchanges, and the play makes room for the actors to inhabit the complexities and contradictions of lives caught in the vise of history. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 Rizzi opened her first video, referencing the other major influencer feud unfolding online. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 The most important Padres story that’s now unfolding begins with the profound changes to the heartbeat of baseball. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Somebody who is just living greatness and never rests on that laurel but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The debate is playing out in Wyoming, a state where many data centers have popped up, including new plans for Microsoft to purchase 3,200 acres of land to expand its data center footprint.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Artificial Intelligence has evolved from a theoretical concept to a prevailing element of daily life.
    Kemba Walden, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The findings challenge received wisdom about the role of soft-bodied organisms in marine ecosystems and hint at how large body size and intelligence evolved in the denizens of the ocean realm.
    Kate Wong, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • When given excess nitrogen, peonies, like other plants, focus on vegetative growth, not blooming.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
  • These self-seeding plants will bring vibrancy and color to the landscape before other flowers bloom.
    Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Another, from 2009, is dominated by the profile of what appears to be a guard dog gripping a black hunk of something unidentifiable.
    Ben Davis, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Another wide receiver, a tight end, a linebacker, a safety and a defensive tackle would appear to be near the top of the list of priorities, not necessarily in that order.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The messages seemed to show Felix Wanjala, who was the hospital’s CEO during Abraaj’s ownership, apparently pressuring doctors to meet daily admissions targets and extend peoples’ hospital stays.
    Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Southeast Asia’s motorists are increasingly feeling the pinch as the Iran energy crisis extends into its eighth week.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Researchers have spent decades developing potatoes for chip makers that can grow in all kinds of climates, avoid diseases and pests, sit in storage for months and still deliver a satisfying crunch.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Her unwavering support for the band through covers and generous sound bytes is one of the key reasons why Failure was able to grow its audience in absentia.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fertilize after flowering in early summer and again in August, based on soil test results.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Plant in bulb cages constructed from hardware cloth to prevent voles from eating your flowering bulbs.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • What was His message in turning over the tables, besides showing His rudeness?
    John Kenney, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The data showed that genetic markers for red hair are among 479 gene variants that have been strongly favored over the past 10,000 years.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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