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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The real trial, however, won’t unfold inside LCT’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026 Each version feels like a completely new story, simply because of the way the narrative style unfolds. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2026 The two men responded after screaming passengers discovered what was unfolding in the cockpit. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 The alleged attack unfolded Wednesday aboard FlyDubai Flight 1073 as the aircraft traveled from Dubai to Tel Aviv. — Brittany Miller , John Roberts, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • The same architecture can now support another round of measurements from orbit as the constellation expands.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The episode ultimately reunites Constance with two of her children, Tate and Adelaide (Jamie Brewer), as the season continues to expand its connections to the show’s earlier installments.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As the brand evolved, this team transitioned into a dedicated bag restoration and maintenance atelier, preserving the longevity of each piece and keeping the warmth of handmade memory alive through patient care.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In fact, when all is said and done, one of my favorite parts of this season was watching the friendship between Kat and Gen evolve.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Snowdrops sometimes bloom as early as late February, and some alliums don’t open until late May or June.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Its unfurling will reveal an image of the cosmos overlain with blooming flowers and splintered prisms emanating rainbows.
    — Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Europe in particular appears vulnerable to increasing borrowing costs, with inflation in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all exceeding analysts’ expectations.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Hayoun said the co-pilot appeared to be trying to damage the plane's controls.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In a statement later on Saturday, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem mourned Maisa Abu Dawoud and her daughter, Mary, extending condolences to their family.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Doubts in facilities management Now, CDE employees say their concerns extend beyond bedbugs to how their headquarters are maintained overall.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Now some of the nation’s most prestigious health systems are jumping into the growing business of longevity.
    — Sarah Todd, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The actor was in and out of colleges but studied acting and grew fond of Shakespeare, according to People.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Consider planting flowering perennials alongside sedges and grasses, and incorporating shrubs and small trees, if space allows.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Flowering Branches For Madison Childs Boniface and Jordan Lee’s January 2026 wedding at a historic theater in Paris, the tables were adorned with flowering branch centerpieces—the perfect nod to the winter season.
    — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Stats show travel retail stores are being mined for discovery and unforgettable memories, with 86 percent of people wanting exclusive beauty offers in the channel, according to L’Oréal.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The scale of the award also shows where the manufacturing bottleneck can sit inside a missile program.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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