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unfold

verb

ˌən-ˈfōld How to pronounce unfold (audio)
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
as in to appear
to come into view the majestic landscape unfolded before us

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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 In the heart of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Camparino is one of those places where Milan’s history continues to unfold naturally. — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026 This will be amplified by the other cosmic forces set to unfold before us. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026 British soccer supporters are accustomed to 45-minute halves that largely unfold without interruption. — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026 As the elections unfolded, Russia continued to attack its neighbor. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
  1. expand
  2. evolve
  3. bloom
  4. appear
  5. extend
  6. grow
  7. flower
  8. show
Verb
  • Let collaboration expand the possibility without handing over ownership of it.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Novelis is expanding its portfolio of coated aluminum solutions for battery applications, targeting components including battery enclosures, casings and electrical connectors known as bus bars.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Continuously discover, assess, prioritize, remediate and reassess cryptographic risk as technology environments, threats and standards evolve.
    — Evgeny Gervis, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The disruptive nature of transposons may have required organisms to evolve new methods of shutting off their activity.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of evolve
Verb
  • But this tenuous thematic connection is never fully allowed to bloom, despite Green’s commitment to crafting emotional dimensions seemingly beyond what’s on the page.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • With black and white balloons covering the ceiling, dark red flowers blooming around the venue, and silver streamers gleaming in the candlelight, the soirée certainly paid homage to the label’s sophisticated uptown DNA.
    — Aaron Royce, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of bloom
Verb
  • Castro wore an orange jumpsuit and appeared behind a glass enclosure.
    — TIM SULLIVAN, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Sato also said current economic and price developments did not appear to have substantially accelerated compared to before.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of appear
Verb
  • Mitchell also scored at least 20 points for the 25th consecutive game, extending her WNBA record.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • That dedication to a good night’s sleep also extended to the Cyrus family’s touring days.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of extend
Verb
  • The spare was also flat, and the patch kit had grown legs and walked away.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Merz, 70, became Germany's leader 16 months ago with promises to turn around an economy that has barely grown in years.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • Despite its name, only the flowering tuft of red oat grass is actually red.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, the Toronto couple handed the four women flower baskets, sent them down the aisle and gave them full permission to break a few wedding rules along the way.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of flower
Verb
  • Post-reaction analysis using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, or SEM/EDX, also showed morphological and compositional changes in the catalyst samples.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • In a new paper published in Royal Society Open Science, mathematician Alain Goriely shows that even though the stylobate really is curved, the illusion doesn’t hold up.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused
unfold
unfolded
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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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