unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

unfurled; unfurling; unfurls

transitive verb

: to release from a furled state

unfurled the sails

intransitive verb

: to open out from or as if from a furled state : unfold

The flowers are starting to unfurl.

Synonyms of unfurl

• expand
• extend
• unfold
• open

Examples of unfurl in a Sentence

after the protestors had unfurled their banner, it stretched from one side of the visitors' gallery to the other

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, Charisma unfurled a set of ultrasound images before the two shared a kiss. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

The still-unfurling Platner disaster is exacerbating the internal divisions inside the Democratic Party. — Philip Elliott, Time, 7 July 2026

When the rain cleared, an American flag that covered most of the outfield was unfurled during the national anthem, and the fog slowly crept in. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Set aside for the day other competing symbols, pause life’s other priorities for a moment, and unfurl the Stars and Stripes, the emblem of our nation’s unity, and reflect on the birth of the United States. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for unfurl

• cowgirl
• schoolgirl
• burl
• churl
• earl
• girl
• hurl
• merl
• merle
• perle
• swirl
• twirl

Kids Definition

unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

: to loose from a furled state : open or spread : unfold

unfurl sails

unfurl a flag