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 The win unfolded Friday night, the casino said. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026 Zac Anderson The UFC takeover of the White House isn't just unfolding on the South Lawn. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 June 2026 Nick Harris explains how events could unfold in North Texas, game-by-game, in his ultimate fan guide. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026 The film, scripted by Hu Xiaoxi and Zhang Disha, unfolds across two interwoven timelines. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Ulbrich envisions Walker expanding his leadership role on the defense as well with Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata no longer in the building.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The backstory What started as a private project, owned by former TAP Air pilot Gonçalo Pessoa and wife Patrícia Trigo, has expanded over the years to become arguably the most talked about resort in Portugal.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The food and drink menu continues to evolve to satisfy hungry customers.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Lauder engaged with employees, including a Reverse Mentor team, to understand evolving consumer paths to beauty discovery.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • There are lots of attractive annuals that brighten up gardens with their spring-blooming flowers.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 13 June 2026
  • Tiny butterflies, identifiable by species, flit among blooming epiphytes; red-breasted meadowlarks take to the air; an emerald-green quetzal perches on a branch.
    Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Balogun appeared to double the lead coming out of the hydration break midway through the opening half, but the goal was negated by an offside call.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • Perhaps the most striking part of the visit was seeing the pope appearing the most relaxed and happy since the beginning of his papacy.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The Orioles made those big moves in signing Pete Alonso and trading for and extending Shane Baz.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Organizers and attendees use these celebrations as a reminder that love and acceptance should extend beyond a single month.
    Amari Riley June 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The debate over recess has grown so confusing that recently the American Academy of Pediatrics stepped in and updated its policy statement.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Khat, which is known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, customs officials said.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Your bulbs are going to flower again after a rest.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
  • Highlights include a pink-flowering chaparral mallow, rarely seen in gardens, a white sage valued by Native Americans and the buckwheat Sterman found in San Miguel Island, plus several new oaks.
    Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Moderate exercise has been shown to improve learning among students from elementary school through young adulthood, and the effects on attention, memory and executive function are well-documented, pediatricians say.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • On the final stop on the tour, the Markley people wanted to show the emergency generators that neighbors have complained about.
    David Wade, CBS News, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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