UNFOLD Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

unfold

verb

ˌən-ˈfōld

Definition of unfold

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to bloom

to produce flowers the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to appear

to come into view the majestic landscape unfolded before us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 From their perspective, those matchups couldn’t unfold much worse than the last ones. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 The story unfolds across the Icelandic archipelago of Vestmannaeyjar, and the Icelandic and Portuguese capitals of Reykjavík and Lisbon. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 July 2026 The plaintiffs want to go through arbitration individually, but say a court order is necessary to preserve their employment while that process unfolds. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2026 One of the most magical and underrated natural wonders of the American West is about to unfold across California beaches. — Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

The Office of the State Auditor maintained that its interest in a Midland site was based on expanding geographic access to early voting, not dictating the county’s final plan.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Although revenues have expanded substantially, income needs to continue growing rapidly for Newcastle to sustain a higher salary base and regularly sign the best players.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

Ultimately, success in this evolving landscape hinges on robust regulatory infrastructure, efficient on/off-ramps, and strong liquidity, rather than just low transaction costs.

— Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
The war’s new weapon What began as a ground war has evolved into a battle increasingly fought from the air.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

The aspiring model was blooming in florals in the sculptural look, which featured a strapless bubble top paired with a sheer floor-length skirt, both of which were embroidered with purple and blue floral designs.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026
On a warm July afternoon near Fairbanks, a volunteer with the Alaska Bee Atlas kneels beside a patch of blooming fireweed, gently sweeping a net through the air.

— Timothy Bundy, Washington Post, 17 July 2026

Definition of bloom

Verb

Iran claims to have targeted US facilities and partners across the Middle East on Friday, unleashing what appear to be its largest reprisals since a fragile ceasefire shattered almost a week ago.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Bosworth appears as Kathleen Sloane, a corporate defense attorney whose morals are called into question when her clients ask for the unthinkable.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 16 July 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

Jac Caglianone extended his hitting streak to nine games with an RBI double in the third inning and Isaac Collins recorded an RBI single in the fourth.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2026
In recent days, though, broadcasters have predicted the spectacle will cause the regular half-time break to be extended, much to the annoyance of soccer purists.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

That dividing line is a growing source of concern for the town’s residents, whose economy largely depends on tourism and agriculture.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
The award reinforced the engine’s role in the program while reflecting growing demand for compact propulsion systems across the defense sector.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

The compensation study completed last December showed many positions were at or above the 50th percentile among comparable agencies, including the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department and Cameron Park Community Services District.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Surveillance footage obtained by The Associated Press appears to show a white sedan, believed to be Durán Guerrero on his way to work, driving in circles near an intersection before an unmarked vehicle blocks its path.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused

unfold

unfolded

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfold

verb

Example Sentences

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