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 This does not go unnoticed by Britt (Isabelle Bonfrer), a bartender who watches it unfold with quiet amusement. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 The attack unfolded early Sunday evening on White Star Circle just outside Billings at a home owned by victims Dana Smith, 73, and Barbara Smith, 72, officials said. — David K. Li, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 The story can work on two levels—as a straightforward plot, usually culminating in a big match or competition, and as a gradually unfolding character study. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 And all of it unfolded as Bohm sues his parents for alleged financial mismanagement. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
While most of its stores are in mainland China, the company had 4,378 stores overseas as of end-June and has been expanding into new markets, including central Asia and the Americas.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

Since then, it’s evolved into a broader and more inclusive health and wellness platform.

— Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
At the same time, the expert acknowledges that our brains haven’t evolved to process the enormous, nearly constant barrage of information coming from our devices.

— Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

When bulbs start growing and blooming in spring or summer, water them only when the soil feels dry to the touch and rainfall is scarce.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
The American public distrusts its legal institutions and media outlets, creating a vacuum in which wild conjecture can bloom.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of bloom

Verb

However, for the rest of the game, Brianna Turner and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are closer to centers; Turner has offensive limitations while Hammon doesn’t appear to trust Parker-Tyus’ defense.

— Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
While this figure appears to add a bright spot to an otherwise weak employment report, the underlying cause is far from encouraging.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

The collective process involved in the making of even one film is extended by the electric impact of films placed in juxtaposition.

— Geoffrey O’Brien, The New York Review of Books, 22 Aug. 2026
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner extended his contract at Inter Miami last October, tying him to the Major League Soccer side through the 2028 season.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

The deal amid Utah’s growing push for advanced nuclear power.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
As her anger and resistance grow, her body begins to transform into porcelain, becoming a powerful symbol of her silent rebellion and her fight to reclaim her own identity.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

Booking information from Clark County Detention Center in Nevada shows Hughes in custody with no bail, with a hearing before a judge scheduled for Thursday morning.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
The arrest comes just over 24 hours after the NYPD released surveillance footage on Monday showing Guzman Soto slowly walking through the lobby of his mother’s apartment building wheeling a small suitcase.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused

unfold

unfolded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfold

verb

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