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
Relevance
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
4
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.
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Recent Examples of unfold
Tracy’s early life unfolded under complex and formative circumstances.
—
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
While Nicole Kidman appeared to settle her divorce from Keith Urban quickly and without much fuss, a less amicable situation reportedly unfolded behind the scenes, in part due to the painful aftermath of her 2001 divorce from first husband Tom Cruise.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
The power outages are unfolding amid freezing temperatures in Kyiv, where forecasts show overnight lows under 20 degrees.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Any one of those events can change how a bankruptcy case unfolds, and in some cases, dramatically.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
While Nicole Kidman appeared to settle her divorce from Keith Urban quickly and without much fuss, a less amicable situation reportedly unfolded behind the scenes, in part due to the painful aftermath of her 2001 divorce from first husband Tom Cruise.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
The power outages are unfolding amid freezing temperatures in Kyiv, where forecasts show overnight lows under 20 degrees.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Any one of those events can change how a bankruptcy case unfolds, and in some cases, dramatically.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
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Flywing also plans to expand the competitive side of the platform.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Neutrality allowed the nation to build strength, expand westward, and avoid the ideological contagions sweeping the continent.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As manufacturing continues to evolve, the definition of success will increasingly encompass resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
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The changing definition of investment-readiness In truth, investment readiness has also evolved since the frenzied years of 2021 and 2022, with the market becoming more selective and fewer themes attracting investment.—
Alison Coleman,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The nude mesh dress was strategically embroidered with pale pink flowers and sage green leaves, which bloomed over her body and around the hemline.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
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Wait to prune your azaleas and rhodies until they are done blooming.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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To guarantee the full amount for the upcoming season, Huff had to play either 825 minutes or appear in 55 games in one of the 2024-25 or 2025-26 seasons.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Your husband appears to be more than a little controlling by attempting to tell you how to spend your free time.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If members of Congress did reach an agreement, Covered California would extend its enrollment period or reopen it, Altman said, so more patients could access financial assistance.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
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Truwit's advocacy extends beyond Paralympic swimming.—
Liz Elting,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Traditional toys and real-life relationships offer safer, healthier ways for children to play and grow.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
22 Jan. 2026
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Opinion journalism may be the most influential literary form in the United States, and novelists and poets have taken to mimicking political speech to engage with readers and grow their audiences.—
Dan Sheehan,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Of the many types of basil, the classic Italian 'Treviso' variety stands out for resisting bitterness, staying tender longer, and being slow to flower even as summer heats up.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
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Creating an optimal growing environment is essential to flowering.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Video shows violent incident Police released surveillance video showing two children running toward a duck in the 300 block of Southwest 8th Avenue on Sunday.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
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Tests show the design consistently doubles material flow.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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