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 that drama was unfolding, Dailor was already mourning the loss of his mother. — Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 The collection takes its design cues from the way plants unfold, expand and bloom. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Disappointingly, her screenplay proceeds to unfold in a procession of frustrating get-outs and compromises, repeatedly choosing the least interesting or challenging direction to take this would-be throuple. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 Her intelligence and wit serve her well as the horrors unfold. — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

Good Time Charlie has Haddad shifting into a study of many characters at once and expanding in scale.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
The National Hurricane Center's official forecast is not one specific line, but rather a cone of uncertainty that expands with time, up to five days out.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

Which also added to the broader challenge of navigating a technological environment that evolves almost weekly, alongside important questions about intellectual property and creative rights.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Most people come here for the ever-evolving menu of house cocktails.

— Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

The painting depicts a red amaryllis belladonna, otherwise known as a March lily, blooming in a plant pot situated on a table against a dark backdrop.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
That early exchange helped establish a connection between the two that eventually bloomed into a four-year romance.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of bloom

Verb

If a message appears to come from the boss but something feels off, Cranor said, workers should verify it through another channel before responding.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Following his speech, the video of Parton played and the beloved icon appeared on screen, as brilliant as ever.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

The platform also incorporates measures to extend the time between major overhauls, potentially reducing maintenance demands and improving fleet availability.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
Produced by Joy House Productions, the film extends Hopwood’s run of stories about relationships and Chinese Australian life.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

Its minimalist aesthetic and discreet approach to luxury perfectly capture the growing desire for versatile bags that transition effortlessly from day to evening.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
There’s the ever-growing collection of vinyl and books overflowing from the lobby lounge’s shelves.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

Lobbies, courtyards, guest rooms, and external façades are filled with flowering vines and built with natural materials that make the surrounding valley feel ever-present.

— Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Consider planting flowering perennials alongside sedges and grasses, and incorporating shrubs and small trees, if space allows.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of flower

Verb

But a few months later, at her 18-month appointment, the standard graph that plotted a child’s weight against their age showed her weight slipping off the curve.

— Raj Panjabi, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
Two innings later, the Dodgers took the lead again, rewarded for hard contact as the Brewers’ defense showed its first signs of sloppy play.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfold

verb

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