UNFOLD Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

unfold

verb

ˌən-ˈfōld

Definition of unfold

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

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

as in to bloom

to produce flowers the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 As the investigation unfolded, authorities turned their attention to Caitlin and her parents, Jeffrey and Karen Spence. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026 For a blueprint, Johnson points to a handful of NBA stars who have mastered the art of seeing the game unfold a step or two ahead of everyone else — Draymond Green, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and, yes, former Spurs great Tim Duncan. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026 One of the franchise’s best scenes unfolds at the end of Stefano Sollima’s second installment, Day of the Soldado. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 The shooting unfolded in the special education classroom, where there were students of different ages, Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook said. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

An interceptor that can engage targets at greater distances could expand the area protected by existing air defense units.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Founded by three childhood friends, Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros, and Romée de Gorianoff, who were later joined by Xavier Padovani, the Experimental Group gradually expanded to encompass wine bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

The wave function evolves over time in a way that’s dictated by Schrödinger’s equation, named for Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Dumas was intrigued as Hermès was dealing with a generational crisis of how to evolve the company without losing its core customers.

— Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

Shifts among Latino voters, who represent sizable portions of the electorate in both states, and Trump’s sagging approval rating appear to be driving Democrats’ strength in redder areas.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
His death appeared to be the first fatality involving a horse carriage in Central Park since the rides began.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

Allen drained it to extend Charlotte’s lead to 20, and then found Dennis Schröder for a high-five as Miami called a timeout.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
L3Harris is pursuing an air-breathing ramjet design intended to improve fuel efficiency and extend engagement distances.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

Japan considers China's rapidly growing military activities in and around Japan, including in the Pacific Ocean, as a threat and has fortified its southwestern region with longer-range missiles and interceptors in recent years.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Running Tide had struggled to grow kelp offshore at scale and shifted toward deployments of wood chips mixed with alkaline substances, said former general manager Kristinn Hróbjartsson.

— Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

The designs feature symbols familiar to Marylanders and racing fans, including the state's iconic flag, Pimlico's weathervane and cupola, and the black-eyed Susan flower.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
As for the blooming, poinsettias’ growing tips produce a flowering hormone that is destroyed by light.

— Neil Sperry, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of flower

Verb

Video on social media showed distressed shopkeepers begging young men to stop stealing their inventory—and those young men pushing them aside to grab shoes and food from their shelves.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
The analysis showed that quantum mechanics does indeed put a speed limit on how quickly different quantum systems can reach a thermal equilibrium.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused

unfold

unfolded

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Style

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfold

verb

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