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 The relationship continued to unfold in and out of public view. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 Yet, there is still the stuff AI cannot answer, which includes how AI will unfold and how best to prepare for it, as well as any broader or deeper insights about the future. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 But the reduction in fertilizer exports through Hormuz, and the impacts on agricultural production, will unfold over a much longer time frame because harvests are seasonal. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Even though the surroundings were growing dark, the lawn was illuminated, unfolding in a swath of vivid green. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

Start the conversation, suggest the class, or invite someone into a plan that expands the room.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
South Africa's utility, Eskom, plans to develop a 1-gigawatt solar manufacturing facility to capture more value from its fast-expanding solar market and respond to changing electricity demand.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

The town says the project would bring new multifamily housing to the site, though the plans have been evolving and were still being finalized earlier this year.

— Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
But the recording itself — which happened in eerie circumstances and nearly destroyed one of the trumpets — also underlines how our handling of antiquities has evolved dramatically in the intervening decades.

— Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

However, the value for the sun’s diameter appears to be wrong, leaving eclipse maps — projections of the moon’s shadow — slightly askew.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Another farmer, Rymondy Mrosso, also questioned whether pesticides used by local farmers could explain the deaths and wondered why only elephants appeared to have been affected.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

The attention to detail extended even to Obama’s on-screen aide, played by his real-life Director of Oval Office Operations Brian Mosteller.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Seiya Suzuki followed with a two-run single to extend his career-high on-base streak to 25 games.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

The population of Quincy, a red dot in deep blue Washington, has grown as agriculture and food processing expanded.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Texas is entering a new era of education this school year with the launch of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), and some private schools in North Texas are already rapidly growing at an unprecedented pace.

— Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

From environmental factors to watering and fertilizing regimens, here are some of the most common reasons why crepe myrtles don’t flower and what to do about it.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
These varieties flower and ripen fruits fastest — from seed or seedling to harvest.

— Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of flower

Verb

As the mastermind behind the Hollywood hair of stars like Stone, Lily Collins, and Zoe Saldaña — and the founder of Rōz Hair — her styling fingerprints decorate awards show red carpets and Instagram feeds alike.

— Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Video from his dash camera shows the aircraft gliding under a highway sign, missing it by mere feet, before touching down in the empty lanes.

— Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused

unfold

unfolded

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Style

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfold

verb

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