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.
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 heat dome comes just as the knockout stage of the World Cup unfolds throughout 11 American cities, including several affected by the intense heat.
—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2026
Almost all of this unfolded without much downside for the GOP.
—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Families can explore galleries that explain how supplies moved through Pittsburgh to support the Continental Army, how diplomacy unfolded with Native nations, and how everyday people navigated a world in conflict.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
During a year-long internship, students can better see how teams interact, build relationships across the organization and watch careers unfold in real time.
—
Byron V. Garrett,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2026
Almost all of this unfolded without much downside for the GOP.
—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Families can explore galleries that explain how supplies moved through Pittsburgh to support the Continental Army, how diplomacy unfolded with Native nations, and how everyday people navigated a world in conflict.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
During a year-long internship, students can better see how teams interact, build relationships across the organization and watch careers unfold in real time.
—
Byron V. Garrett,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
-
Love’s Travel Stops just expanded its service offerings for RVs, including light maintenance, battery replacement and tire replacement.
-
California's new personal finance graduation requirement The lessons come as California prepares to expand financial education statewide.
Verb
-
Thematically, Maciek said, the costumes’ evolving colors tell their own story throughout the show.
-
Workforce needs, customer expectations, and business conditions evolve, and leaders have to be willing to adjust if the model stops delivering results.
Verb
-
In the summer, Lake Louise Gondola soars over lush alpine meadows and blooming fields of wildflowers.
-
Lilacs are one of spring's timeless blooming shrubs, cherished for their beautiful, fragrant blossoms.
Verb
-
This part of the deal appears to come naturally to Chavarria, who returned to Paris on Friday afternoon for his fourth season at the Men’s Fashion Week.
-
The president also appears to be counting the South Carolina runoff for governor as two wins after endorsing both candidates in that race.
Verb
-
The global index provider extended Indonesia’s status as an emerging market after freezing the country’s stocks in its indexes in January, citing investability concerns.
-
Tuesday’s ruling declares the case a class action and extends the order nationwide.
Verb
-
The utility attributed the higher costs to broader market dynamics, including more expensive wholesale electricity and growing demand from large users such as manufacturers and data centers across PJM’s 13-state grid.
-
The spectacle gave rise to self-starters like Ai who sought to cash in on the growing hype.
Verb
-
After flowering, the foliage continues to photosynthesize and generates energy, which is stored in the roots.
-
Each flowering stem adds blooms to the end, so the stems can become long and tangled over time.
Verb
-
In fact, research shows that when given the choice, on-site work remains the least popular option across every age range according to Gallup.
-
The younger James, who was drafted in the second round in 2024 to form the first father-son duo in NBA history, showed steady improvement during his second season.
Cite this Entry
“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
