Synonyms of unfold

unfold

verb

ˌən-ˈfōld 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expand
• extend
• open
• unfurl
• spread (out)
• stretch (out)
• outspread
• flare (out)
• fan (out)
• outstretch
• overspread

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• close
• contract
• fold
• reduce
• compact
• compress
• condense

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evolve
• grow
• progress
• develop
• proceed
• elaborate
• emerge
• mature
• march
• get along
• get on
• blossom
• forge
• ripen
• advance
• fare
• materialize
• play out

3

as in to bloom

to produce flowers

the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bloom
• flower
• blossom
• burgeon
• leave
• effloresce
• blow
• leaf
• bud
• open

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fade
• wilt
• wither
• die
• dry up
• expire
• shrivel
• perish
• drop

4

as in to appear

to come into view

the majestic landscape unfolded before us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appear
• show
• come
• arrive
• loom
• rise
• happen
• materialize
• reappear
• emerge
• come out
• show up
• turn up
• erupt
• occur
• arise
• surface
• resurface
• blossom
• bulk
• dawn
• break out
• shoot (up)
• issue
• spring (up)
• bob (up)
• crop (up)
• break
• debut
• outcrop
• rematerialize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disappear
• vanish
• evaporate
• dissolve
• fade
• go (away)
• clear
• melt (away)
• leave
• evanesce
• depart
• withdraw
• retire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfold

Joining him are several familiar faces from the franchise, with a number of former Big Bang side characters stepping into larger roles as the adventure unfolds. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Puma’s management changes continue to unfold this week with the hiring of a former Reebok and Adidas executive. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 22 July 2026

The new phone also unfolds fully flat, unlike its predecessor. — Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Held every four years since 1991, the tournament has attracted growing interest each time, with millions of fans around the world tuning in to watch the action unfold. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026