Synonyms of unfold

unfold

verb

ˌən-ˈfōld 

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

• expand
• extend
• open
• unfurl
• spread (out)
• stretch (out)
• outspread
• flare (out)
• fan (out)
• outstretch
• overspread

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• close
• contract
• fold
• reduce
• compact
• compress
• condense

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

• evolve
• grow
• progress
• develop
• proceed
• elaborate
• emerge
• mature
• march
• get along
• get on
• blossom
• forge
• ripen
• advance
• fare
• materialize
• play out

3

as in to bloom

to produce flowers

the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bloom
• flower
• blossom
• burgeon
• leave
• effloresce
• bourgeon
• blow
• leaf
• bud
• open

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fade
• wilt
• wither
• die
• dry up
• expire
• shrivel
• perish
• drop

4

as in to appear

to come into view

the majestic landscape unfolded before us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appear
• show
• come
• arrive
• loom
• rise
• happen
• materialize
• reappear
• emerge
• come out
• show up
• turn up
• erupt
• occur
• arise
• surface
• resurface
• blossom
• bulk
• dawn
• break out
• shoot (up)
• issue
• spring (up)
• bob (up)
• crop (up)
• break
• debut
• outcrop
• rematerialize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disappear
• vanish
• evaporate
• dissolve
• fade
• go (away)
• clear
• melt (away)
• leave
• evanesce
• depart
• withdraw
• retire

Examples of unfold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Join 23 others in the comments View Comments Further identification of remains via DNA could shed some light on the mystery of exactly what unfolded, according to Warrior. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024

There’s a sequence from Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood that comes to mind – everything that unfolds on Spahn Ranch. —Preston Garrett, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Oct. 2024

The film, which unfolds during the Diwali festival against a backdrop of political intrigue, is presented by industry veterans Ramesh Sippy and Zaheeda. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024

Israel and Jordan also have closed their airspace as the attack is unfolding. —Fox News, 2 Oct. 2024