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 Two crashes that unfolded early Sunday morning resulted in deaths, according to the Fort Worth Police Department. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 31 May 2026 Menopause is often unfolding alongside these realities rather than in calm or particularly supportive environments. Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 The winning play happened when Drew Godfried knocked in senior teammate Jason Luti with a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth for Danvers in an at-bat that unfolded precisely as Falcons coach Matt Mello predicted. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026 The sequencing of a process that is due to unfold over two months is critical. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • The deal with Curry, who is a household name in China, is expected to further boost Li-Ning’s popularity in the country and help expand the brand’s market share in the US.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic?
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • With a particular emphasis on Europe and China, this quickly evolved into the idea of a creative residency to support Chinese design talent through the Kering ecosystem.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 4 June 2026
  • Demie worked closely with the show’s makeup and wardrobe stylists to craft Maddy’s look, helping the character evolve from someone obsessed with being the perfect girlfriend in the first half of Season 1, to a bolder, hyper-feminine rejection of the softness her boyfriend had expected of her.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Choose bulbs that bloom in late winter, early spring, and late spring to extend the show.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 June 2026
  • The South Coast Cactus and Succulent Society welcomes UC Davis Botanical Conservatory director Ernesto Sandoval for a presentation about propagating and cultivating the winter-blooming bulbs.
    Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski shouted two words — the first of which didn’t appear to be fit for print — and strode off the mound, the icy expression on his face frozen in place all the way to the dugout.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Beijing’s support does not appear to have extended to directly arming the Naxals, however.
    Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The concession extends through four different eco-zones and happens to be prime rhino and big cat real estate.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • But behind the courteous gesture, there are lingering concerns of how overtourism might impact Ishigaki’s rich natural environment and potentially overwhelm its infrastructure, concerns that extend to other neighboring remote islands.
    Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • All the back-and-forth came to an ice-cold end to start the second half as the Knicks only mustered two points through the first five minutes of the third quarter, as the Spurs’ lead grew to as many as 14.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • The growing dependence on OpenAI has also raised questions over what happens if enthusiasm surrounding AI valuations cools.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Water and flowering trees make the place feel like an Old-World safari camp.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • My mother planted every rosebush and flowering vine in the garden, her knees in the dirt.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Another showed the roof destroyed, with rubble scattered on the ground as emergency responders surveyed the aftermath.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • Displays show campaign ephemera and memorabilia, from Shepard Fairey’s iconic HOPE poster to children’s drawings.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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