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 As the latest suit unfolds in Chicago, Cloth is currently facing a separate proceeding in Canada. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 29 July 2026 Giuliana and Bill started dating in 2004 — the year after all her drama with O’Connell unfolded — and they wed in 2007. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026 What that meant for the pecking order, though, was unclear due to the development battle unfolding within the paddock. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 28 July 2026 Play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti added some thrilling commentary as the scene unfolded. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

In the mid-1960s, the festival expanded from an intimate get-together among church members to a cultural exchange for the greater Sacramento community.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
San Gregorio State Beach is now roughly twice its size after expanding into the formerly private ranch, San Gregorio Ranch.

— Sooji Nam, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

People can write about changing tastes, but as characters that grow and evolve through the decades, there are none better than the Marvel characters — and none better than Peter Parker.

— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
As with flu vaccines, protection provided by Covid shots is greatest a few weeks after someone gets them, and vaccine formulations are updated each season to best respond to an evolving virus.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

Her writing has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, Granta, National Geographic, and The Wall Street Journal.

— Big Think, Big Think, 31 July 2026
In February, Baresi was one of the torchbearers for the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Games, appearing alongside former Inter Milan and Italy defender Giuseppe Bergomi, his longtime rival on the pitch.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne and Lainey Reid took the win, extending a run that already includes the Women's Tag Team Championships and a victory over Brie Bella and Paige at Saturday Night's Main Event on July 18.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Bouzat sealed the win with a left-footed shot from the center of the box to help the Dynamo extend their unbeaten streak to five games.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

People can write about changing tastes, but as characters that grow and evolve through the decades, there are none better than the Marvel characters — and none better than Peter Parker.

— Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Atlanta City Council is directing city departments to beef up efforts to protect residents from the growing threat of extreme heat after the city recently faced withering critiques from homeless services groups for its response to a recent heatwave.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

In warmer years, however, flowering earlier may help plants avoid heat or water stress during critical seed production stages.

— Derek Norman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
To ensure a good harvest of fruit, remove the row covers when your plants begin to flower or hand-pollinate the blossoms with an old makeup brush or Q-tip.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Definition of flower

Verb

Justice John Dixon said Bauer Media had failed to show the claims made about Wilson were substantially true or trivial.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Techradar’s recent survey on consumer attitudes to AI shows a drop in the use of AI services such as Gemini and ChatGPT.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused

unfold

unfolded

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Cite this Entry

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“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfold

verb

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