Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

unfold

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of unfold

1 to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area
  • Carefully unfold that antique map so that it doesn't tear.
Synonyms of unfold

expand, extend, fan (out), flare (out), open, outspread, outstretch, spread (out), stretch (out), unfurl
Words Related to unfold

overspread
Near Antonyms of unfold

compact, compress, condense, reduce
Antonyms of unfold

close, contract, fold
2 to gradually become clearer or more detailed
  • As the situation unfolded, it became clear that more help would be needed.
Synonyms of unfold

develop, elaborate, evolve
Words Related to unfold

advance, fare, forge, get along, get on, march, proceed, progress

blossom, grow, mature, ripen

materialize

emerge, play out
3 to produce flowers
  • The rosebud unfolded literally overnight.
Synonyms of unfold

bloom, blossom, blow, effloresce, flower
Words Related to unfold

leaf, leave

bud

open
Near Antonyms of unfold

dry up, fade, shrivel, wilt, wither

die, drop, expire, perish
4 to come into view
  • The majestic landscape unfolded before us.
Synonyms of unfold

appear, come out, materialize, show, show up, turn up
Words Related to unfold

reappear, resurface

bulk, loom

arrive, come

dawn, debut

arise, blossom, bob (up), break, break out, crop (up), emerge, erupt, issue, outcrop, rise, shoot (up), spring (up), surface

happen, occur

reappear, rematerialize
Near Antonyms of unfold

depart, leave, retire, withdraw
Antonyms of unfold

clear, disappear, dissolve, evanesce, evaporate, fade, go (away), melt (away), vanish

Learn More about unfold

  1. See words that rhyme with unfold Dictionary: Definition of unfold Spanish Central: Translation of unfold Nglish: Translation of unfold for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of unfold for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up unfold? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games