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

Guides, travel hosts, crew members, chefs, specialists, and partners form an extraordinary team around the guests, sharing their knowledge, anticipating needs, and quietly ensuring that the journey unfolds effortlessly. — Guy Bigiaoui, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

That work will unfold while the Nets evaluate more than their youngest players. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026

All this unfolded at a time of relative global peace, so the special interest decision-making model amplified the entrenchment of these companies and created a mosaic of military platforms and systems. — Dan Driscoll, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026

In addition, the satellites are set to unfold their antennas and solar arrays. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026