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 The workforce challenges mark the latest hurdle for chipmakers seeking to expand their manufacturing footprint in the US and reverse the migration of production capacity to Asia that unfolded decades ago. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 Now, in one of the clearest observations ever made, scientists have watched one of those moments unfold in real time and with unprecedented detail in an active seafloor spreading event in the Indian Ocean. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 8 July 2026 Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make an appearance in the funeral ceremonies, which are unfolding over several days. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 Against that backdrop, the story unfolds as a kind of chilango noir—that is, a Mexico City noir. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Since then, the United States has expanded from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

Designed for evolving missions The latest award follows an earlier Titan procurement by JIATF-401, indicating continued confidence in the platform.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
True diversity is the result of a wide, evolving mix of content shaped by creators, not by rigid sub‑quotas.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 July 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

Cheryl planted perennials at the property to bloom throughout the year.

— David Caraccio Updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Within days of the pool being refilled on June 9, patches of vivid green algae bloomed across the surface, particularly near the Lincoln and World War II memorials.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Definition of bloom

Verb

His embrace of the legislation marked a shift for the governor, who appeared uninterested in engaging with the corporate tax proposal as recently as May.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
Video of the incident appears to show Nelson getting into an altercation with another driver in a parking lot in Idaho.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

Junior Caminero has already done some things no Rays players had ever accomplished, such as extending his sizzling power show on Friday to include hitting 10 home runs over a 10-game span.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
With runners on second and third, in a 1-2 count, Pages extended to the outside edge of the plate to get around a slider and send it through the left side of the infield.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

The iconic fast food company has grown beyond its California roots in recent years, opening locations in Colorado, Texas, Idaho, and as far east as Tennessee.

— James Powel, USA Today, 7 July 2026
And a growing body of research suggests that one of the simplest ways to help isn’t more space or more exercise.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

Although few wait to bloom until late summer or fall, most flower continuously in warm weather from late spring until frost in almost every color available.

— Steve Bender, Southern Living, 7 July 2026
Wimbledon's second week continues with fashion making headlines, led by Naomi Osaka, whose creative all-white ensembles, including a ruffled skirt and flower Nike jacket, transformed the court into a runway.

— Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of flower

Verb

Certain tags have been more likely to get a post deleted or banned on Rednote, screenshots and searches show.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed steel columns on the building’s higher floors buckling and contorting on Tuesday.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of show

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unfocused

unfold

unfolded

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Style

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfold

verb

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