unfold

verb

ˌən-ˈfōld How to pronounce unfold (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to appear
to come into view the majestic landscape unfolded before us

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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 Joining him are several familiar faces from the franchise, with a number of former Big Bang side characters stepping into larger roles as the adventure unfolds. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 Puma’s management changes continue to unfold this week with the hiring of a former Reebok and Adidas executive. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 22 July 2026 The new phone also unfolds fully flat, unlike its predecessor. — Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Held every four years since 1991, the tournament has attracted growing interest each time, with millions of fans around the world tuning in to watch the action unfold. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
  1. expand
  2. evolve
  3. bloom
  4. appear
  5. extend
  6. grow
  7. flower
  8. show
Verb
  • The Office of the State Auditor maintained that its interest in a Midland site was based on expanding geographic access to early voting, not dictating the county’s final plan.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Although revenues have expanded substantially, income needs to continue growing rapidly for Newcastle to sustain a higher salary base and regularly sign the best players.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Ultimately, success in this evolving landscape hinges on robust regulatory infrastructure, efficient on/off-ramps, and strong liquidity, rather than just low transaction costs.
    — Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The war’s new weapon What began as a ground war has evolved into a battle increasingly fought from the air.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of evolve
Verb
  • The aspiring model was blooming in florals in the sculptural look, which featured a strapless bubble top paired with a sheer floor-length skirt, both of which were embroidered with purple and blue floral designs.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • On a warm July afternoon near Fairbanks, a volunteer with the Alaska Bee Atlas kneels beside a patch of blooming fireweed, gently sweeping a net through the air.
    — Timothy Bundy, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of bloom
Verb
  • But Tortorella stood by his decision not to turn to Adin Hill, who won the Cup with the 2023 team but hadn’t appeared in a game since April 9.
    — Joe Smith, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Getty Images Recent disease outbreaks across the globe may appear unrelated—a resurgence of measles in the United States, a persistent foodborne Cyclospora outbreak and Ebola spreading in parts of Africa.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of appear
Verb
  • Jac Caglianone extended his hitting streak to nine games with an RBI double in the third inning and Isaac Collins recorded an RBI single in the fourth.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2026
  • In recent days, though, broadcasters have predicted the spectacle will cause the regular half-time break to be extended, much to the annoyance of soccer purists.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Definition of extend
Verb
  • That dividing line is a growing source of concern for the town’s residents, whose economy largely depends on tourism and agriculture.
    — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The award reinforced the engine’s role in the program while reflecting growing demand for compact propulsion systems across the defense sector.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • In warmer years, however, flowering earlier may help plants avoid heat or water stress during critical seed production stages.
    — Derek Norman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • To ensure a good harvest of fruit, remove the row covers when your plants begin to flower or hand-pollinate the blossoms with an old makeup brush or Q-tip.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026
Definition of flower
Verb
  • Justice John Dixon said Bauer Media had failed to show the claims made about Wilson were substantially true or trivial.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Techradar’s recent survey on consumer attitudes to AI shows a drop in the use of AI services such as Gemini and ChatGPT.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused
unfold
unfolded
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Cite this Entry

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

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