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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
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
The story unfolds against the social atmosphere of 1970s Hong Kong, using the cold case to probe darker currents of human behavior.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 June 2026
Rynda also revealed that the adventure will unfold in Pokémon’s Galar region, which shares many geographical similarities with the real-world of the UK.
—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
21 June 2026
Amplified by Lionel Messi’s hat trick and a pulsating crowd, small wonder Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria instantly became one of the most iconic scenes ever to unfold in this stadium.
—
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
The new site is meant to alleviate the unfolding crisis that has seen women and young children packed in the overcrowded site with thousands of men.
—
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 June 2026
Rynda also revealed that the adventure will unfold in Pokémon’s Galar region, which shares many geographical similarities with the real-world of the UK.
—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
21 June 2026
Amplified by Lionel Messi’s hat trick and a pulsating crowd, small wonder Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria instantly became one of the most iconic scenes ever to unfold in this stadium.
—
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
The new site is meant to alleviate the unfolding crisis that has seen women and young children packed in the overcrowded site with thousands of men.
—
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
-
Love’s Travel Stops just expanded its service offerings for RVs, including light maintenance, battery replacement and tire replacement.
-
California's new personal finance graduation requirement The lessons come as California prepares to expand financial education statewide.
Verb
-
Just as their characters have evolved and gained electric momentum in their careers, so have the actors.
-
Regulation will continue to evolve, whether through transparency, state-and-federal patchwork, general law and supervisory expectation, or other avenues.
Verb
-
In the summer, Lake Louise Gondola soars over lush alpine meadows and blooming fields of wildflowers.
-
Lilacs are one of spring's timeless blooming shrubs, cherished for their beautiful, fragrant blossoms.
Verb
-
Russian air defenses have appeared incapable of dealing with the threat.
-
In an unusual twist, many of the songs that would eventually appear throughout the season were written before the writers’ room fully mapped out the story.
Verb
-
The global index provider extended Indonesia’s status as an emerging market after freezing the country’s stocks in its indexes in January, citing investability concerns.
-
Tuesday’s ruling declares the case a class action and extends the order nationwide.
Verb
-
With the market for robots expected to grow rapidly over the years, the demand for data collection is soaring.
-
Even though the Canadians cannot meet Switzerland's physical aggression, their growing confidence has rattled the opponents mentally.
Verb
-
For something dreamier, A Midsummer Night’s Dream theme pairs flower garlands and fairy lights with pretty appetizers and edible floral cocktails.
-
After flowering, look for black berries that attract birds.
Verb
-
Delta flight attendant graduation ceremonies often take place at the Delta Flight Museum near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, shown here on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
-
His view comes despite some opinion polls showing the Republican Party has a higher disapproval rating.
Cite this Entry
“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
