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
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Recent Examples of unfold
For a few minutes, the day will turn to twilight, the sun’s corona will appear, and one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles will unfold over a variety of spectacular landscapes.
—
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
The grandest night in British TV unfolded as some of the biggest stars around the world including Colin Firth, Aimee Lou Wood, Taron Egerton and Matt Smith went head-to-head.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 May 2026
The simulations showed that the collision unfolded in several stages.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Three separate violent incidents involving Oakland police officers unfolded over a 24-hour span this week, including an early Friday morning traffic stop in East Oakland that ended with an officer shooting and injuring a suspect after two officers were dragged by a car, authorities said.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
The grandest night in British TV unfolded as some of the biggest stars around the world including Colin Firth, Aimee Lou Wood, Taron Egerton and Matt Smith went head-to-head.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 May 2026
The simulations showed that the collision unfolded in several stages.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Three separate violent incidents involving Oakland police officers unfolded over a 24-hour span this week, including an early Friday morning traffic stop in East Oakland that ended with an officer shooting and injuring a suspect after two officers were dragged by a car, authorities said.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
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There are numerous suites in the mix that expand upon the space, and anyone booking an executive category room enjoys access to the 25th-floor club lounge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Together, the movements reflected an apparent effort to insulate some of Iran's remaining military and aviation assets from the expanding conflict, even as officials publicly served as brokers for de-escalation.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Verb
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According to the sheriff, multiple laboratories across the country — including federal and state partners — are collaborating behind the scenes as technology continues to evolve.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
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The update reflects the state’s evolving understanding of its most dangerous pollutants, which has shifted over the decades from visible pollutants, such as smog, to more invisible ones that cause cancer, heart disease and other health harms.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The trees on Morrison’s block are invasive Callery pears, or Bradford pears, which bloom in blizzards across Illinois neighborhoods, roadsides and forests every April.—
Jerry Wu,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
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Flowers bloom late spring to early summer atop wiry, branched, nearly leafless stems rising to 24 inches tall above an 18-inch-tall clump of deep green leaves.—
Judy Nauseef,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The areas most affected by those imminent zoning changes appear to be parts of western Clairemont and eastern Pacific Beach along the Blue Line trolley extension that began running in 2021.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
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On the eve of the election, Varga, who had been quiet for months, wrote a Facebook post that appeared to be a tacit endorsement of Orbán.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Morey also selected Maxey out of Kentucky, signed George in free agency and extended Embiid’s contract through the next three seasons.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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The Guardians had a five-run outburst in the third inning, taking advantage of four walks, to extend their lead to 7-0.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Kreith advises using heavy duty cages for tomatoes, arches for beans, stakes for peppers and eggplant, and a trellis for cucumbers, which grow as a vine.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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Isaac Rangaswami, a former tech-company copywriter, first grew a following around an Instagram account called @caffs_not_cafes, which highlighted historic, low-key, unheralded London canteens.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Low-maintenance and adaptable dogwood trees can be beautiful home landscape additions, especially when the flowering varieties are in bloom.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
11 May 2026
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Plants flower in the heat of summer, from June through July, with the showy seedheads lasting well into autumn.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
Verb
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At a press conference Wednesday announcing the bill, lawmakers cited studies showing that the cost of playing youth sports has risen by 46% in five years, with many families paying more than $5,000 per child for a single season.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Kelly, a four-year starter for South Lake, showed his ability to run the football and gained over 60 yards in the first game.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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