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 But if things unfold as nicely in 2027 as well as Gang Green’s haul seemed to go this year, then New York should actually be a legitimate playoff contender by 2028 … or so. Jim Reineking, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026 As the chaos unfolded, many attendees, including myself and many other journalists here at NBC News, tried to take cover at or near our tables. NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026 And then just kind of surprise, and then obviously the night unfolded after that. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 The best example of the current malaise unfolded in the middle innings. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • The Moon moves through your 9th House of Perspective, expanding how your ideas are received.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • At Fremantle, Katrosar built and expanded a global advertising business across streaming, broadcast, social and branded partnerships.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Maybe the Knicks will evolve again.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
  • Over time these have evolved from general nutrition advice into recommendations on diet and physical activity aimed at preventing chronic disease.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Verbena is a butterfly favorite, blooming in a range of colors including cool blues and purples, sunny yellow, and rose to red hues.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The flowers are finally blooming.
    Lara Kramer, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Another, from 2009, is dominated by the profile of what appears to be a guard dog gripping a black hunk of something unidentifiable.
    Ben Davis, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Another wide receiver, a tight end, a linebacker, a safety and a defensive tackle would appear to be near the top of the list of priorities, not necessarily in that order.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Batting from the right side, Romo’s home run to left-center against Suter in the sixth extended the lead to 4-1.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Coach Luis Enrique's PSG is at full strength while Vincent Kompany's Bayern has already clinched a record-extending 35th Bundesliga championship and remains on course for a treble.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The front office also faced growing concerns about whether Reese’s presence would deter the signing of returning veterans and key free agents the Sky had targeted.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Like many of the exchanges with Democrats during the hearing, the back and forth grew heated, as Carbajal cut Hegseth off in the middle of his answer.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Grown for its striking foliage, purple spiderwort provides a stunning accent to flowering annuals in mixed containers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Overcrowding can inhibit or delay flowering.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Many fans came to show their support for the third-year forward, whom the Sky traded to the Dream on April 6 for two future first-round draft picks.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Game 5 showed two things at once.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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