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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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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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 The effort, which was described by a senior administration official who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly, is unfolding alongside fitful talks between Washington and Tehran on a potential agreement to extend a truce in the Iran war. Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Fortune, 7 June 2026 One unfolded a few blocks from the couple’s stores. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026 She was no longer relegated to her usual invisibility, to watching the lives of others unfold outside our window. Andrea Bajani, New Yorker, 7 June 2026 Across 9,526 square feet, the home keeps a discreet face from the street, then unfolds over three levels toward gardens, pool and boatshed. Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Publix is set to open five new stores by early July, expanding its footprint in Florida and Kentucky as the grocery chain continues steady growth across the Southeast.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • As part of the deal announced Monday, Amazon will work with Corning on a new program to expand a fiber-optic technician training program at Catawba Valley Community College based in Hickory.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The collaboration comes after Ephea was incubated by Kering’s Material Innovation Lab in Milan, which identifies, evolves, and helps to operationalize hundreds of alternative materials, with the hope of embedding them into brand collections.
    Bella Webb, Vogue, 11 June 2026
  • The aircraft also features a reconfigurable mission computer designed to accommodate evolving operational needs.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • From April to July, roses bloom in a sequential parade, from large climbers to delicate shrubs.
    Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 8 June 2026
  • The plant blooms only when sufficient energy is accumulated, making time between flowering unpredictable, spanning from a few years to more than a decade, according to the United States Botanic Garden.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 8 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
  • Hart had just stuffed a breakaway attempt by Hall that would’ve extended Carolina’s lead to four.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • Adell doubled to left to make it 6-0, and Peraza’s RBI groundout extended it to 7-0.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Fried’s statement to the Herald comes amid warnings from a growing chorus of political leaders that Wasserman Schultz’s decision — and the state party’s silence about it — could have ripple effects across the ballot in November.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
  • Jeremy Doku — Belgium/Manchester City Doku has grown at City and was a key driver of their late-season charge.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Brought her own cladogram Corpse flowers can go years between flowering events.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 8 June 2026
  • One of the fastest-growing flowering shrubs, a butterfly bush can easily put on 5 feet or more of new growth in a single season.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • The charge comes after photos and videos showed Lang outside the Collin County courthouse several times this past week during the murder trial for teen Karmelo Anthony.
    Shawna Mizelle, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • More recently, footage released Wednesday showed Gaethje using the FBI Headquarters as part of his preparation for his lightweight title fight against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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