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 That meant disseminating the pertinent information got to the right people more quickly and efficiently as the draft process unfolded. Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Commemorations unfolded, though unacknowledged by governments and factory owners who are legally barred from hiring refugees (but often do so anyway due to low wages and labor availability). Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025 The drama all unfolded in the secretive Office of Municipal Services Assessment, a unit created by Mayor Adams to evaluate the performance of city agencies that operated out of 375 Pearl St. behind police headquarters. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025 The fragrance then unfolds into a radiant heart of Lavandin, Mahonial®, and Rosyfolia®, to encapsulate sunshine in an endless summer. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • As part of the package, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will deliver more than $275 million in grant funding to expand parking access for truck drivers nationwide.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025
  • The former carpet warehouse was already outfitted with car lifts — that Tires, Etc. location (Mr. Gerben owns several) was going to expand — and Gillis paid out of pocket to build out the rest of the set.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • But fans in Connecticut and beyond quickly fell in love with their dynamic as TikTok dances evolved into lengthy live streams, and their relationship goes even deeper when the cameras aren’t on.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • Passive income has evolved beyond real estate and dividend stocks and there are now new paths like digital products and YouTube channels that are worth exploring.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • In the wacky political world of Southeast Los Angeles County — where scandals seem to bloom every year with the regularity of jacarandas — there’s never been a mess as pendejo as the one stirred up this week by Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • We’re fed Apollo Bar highlights like a salad rosso, a globe of radicchio segmented with chunks of blood orange, a blooming artichoke, and seasonal strawberry ice-cream cake.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • At a meeting Tuesday morning, Collier County commissioners appeared to have been caught off guard by the state’s plans for the Everglades airfield.
    Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
  • Iran's retaliatory strikes on Monday at the largest U.S. military base in the region appeared to offer an off-ramp to Trump and the United States to prevent further escalation -- something Trump embraced in his social media response to the attacks.
    Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The shift extends beyond just remote work opportunities.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 June 2025
  • Waymo’s robotaxi rollout extends beyond its Uber partnership.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Without specifying any figures, Sinclair says its ratings for women’s tennis have grown since 2023, especially among the coveted 18-to-34-year-old demographic.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • The chief executive of Africa’s largest bank by asset value has added his voice to growing frustration on the continent over the valuations of Africa’s sovereign debt by the big three global credit ratings agencies.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • In return, the shade cast by rising tomato plants can help provide some protective cover for the lettuce and stop it from bolting (flowering, which turns the leaves bitter and dry) during the heat of summer.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • To attract them throughout the season, include a variety of plants that will flower at different times during spring, summer, and fall.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Organizations must show top performers specific examples of how excellence has led to advancement within the company.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Brands are also showing interest in using LaundRE in their reshoring plans by importing garments from places like Bangladesh and Pakistan and finishing them locally in small quantities to reduce overbuying and waste.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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