unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak 

unpacked; unpacking; unpacks

transitive verb

1

a

: to remove the contents of

unpack a suitcase

b

: unburden, reveal

… must … unpack my heart with words …

—William Shakespeare

2

: to remove or undo from packing or a container

unpacked his gear

3

: to analyze the nature of by examining in detail : explicate

unpack a concept

4

: decompress sense 2

unpack a compressed file

intransitive verb

: to engage in unpacking a container

unpacker noun

Synonyms of unpack

• unload

Examples of unpack in a Sentence

It's been a year since I moved here and I still haven't unpacked all of my books.

I unpacked my suitcase as soon as I arrived home.

By the time we got to the hotel, I was too tired to unpack.

She's good at unpacking complex concepts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shot at Iconic Saga Studios in Atlanta, Newton and guests will unpack the pressures, mental hurdles, and triumphs of playing the position against the backdrop of their own experiences and careers. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

This episode traces the history of communism in America and its clash with religious groups to unpack why Democratic candidates are being labeled communists and whether the strategy will resonate with voters today. — Benjamin Stephen, Vox, 4 Nov. 2026

Housed in the century-old Black Mountain Firehouse right down the road, the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center unpacks the rich tapestry of the area’s people, traditions, and landscapes through exhibits and immersive programs. — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2026

Of all there is to keep unpacking and processing about the Chiefs’ deflating 28-24 loss to the Broncos on Sunday, the most salient point can be found in something Andy Reid addressed Monday in a Zoom call with reporters. — Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for unpack

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak 

ˈən-

1

: to separate and remove things packed

got home and unpacked

2

: to open and remove the contents of

unpack a trunk