Definition of unfoldnext
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

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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

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3
as in to bloom
to produce flowers the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 From there, a renovation inspired by hulls, portholes, and other nifty ship mechanics unfolded, full speed ahead. Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2026 But the current competition with China is very different than the one that unfolded two generations ago, according to Launius. Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2026 Instead of programming every step, the researchers simply let these dynamics unfold and then extracted useful information from the outcome. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026 Those debates unfold in Washington or Sacramento and in quadrennial elections. Russell Hancock, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Its owners have expanded their impact and influence to the nearby community to limit development and maintain its cultural identity, which includes restoring and caring for the historic stone buildings from the salt trade era.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • This will expand affordable rental options and enable home repairs, solar installations and energy upgrades.
    Chase Jordan April 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But the public was receptive, and Magyar quickly evolved into a formal opposition leader, accepting the helm of the Tisza Party—founded in 2020—as a vehicle for his movement.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Over the last decade, especially after the pandemic, the field of health care advocacy has evolved to encompass various services that help patients and families navigate the complicated, expensive medical landscape.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Dylan Barrett-Smith, an arborist at the Central Park Conservancy, said the Okame cherry trees are the first to bloom and often last the longest.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Yet at the same time, other experiences in his life planted seeds of faith that would later bloom.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Ali, also known as Elnoor Mohamed Ali, is scheduled to appear Saturday in Folkestone Magistrates Court.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Ultimately, the scammers appear to use their initial contractor targets as unsuspecting mules for the malware payload.
    Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Those connections extend beyond the dining room.
    Evan Moore April 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • But the Red Sox stayed patient and extended at-bats as Crochet did his job keeping the Brewers off the board for the first six innings.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In recent weeks, a growing number of business leaders in Russia have voiced concern about the sweeping restrictions and urged authorities to take a more moderate approach.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • But there is a more general dread about human vulnerability to technology—a growing existential fear that people are losing the authorship and agency of their own lives to, particularly, artificial intelligence—that will be reflected in an avalanche of related negligent-design legal claims.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The garden's website says the flowering cherries bloom from late March or early April through mid-May.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • While the flowering shrub is useful for erosion control due to its ability to spread by rhizomes and seeds, the plant can quickly outcompete and displace native plants and should be avoided.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Kaley denied being abused or neglected, though Meta’s attorneys did show some Instagram posts about her mother screaming at her.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
  • During the chase, Leatherman used highly dangerous evasive moves on local roads, open fields and residential properties, court documents show.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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