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 daring rescue unfolded Saturday near Roads End Point recreation site, where the two teens and a member of the Lincoln County Fire Department became trapped on a cliffside on Saturday, according to the Coast Guard. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025 There was Jordan Romano, head down and hands on his knees in a pose far too familiar, and history was still unfolding behind him. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 9 July 2025 As dancers packed the floor, the night unfolded as a kind of joyful resistance. Raphael Romero Ruiz, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025 The man was crossing the lanes when a chain-reaction crash unfolded, investigators said. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Although the company is actively adapting—expanding into energy storage, changing billing models, and tweaking its supply chain—investors continue to be concerned about the pace and effectiveness of these strategic adjustments.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • To expand its financial services sector, the BVI is developing an International Arbitration Center, positioning itself as a premier destination for international dispute resolution.
    Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Anti-theft technology may have evolved over the years, but so have car thieves, so remain vigilant and prepared to prevent auto theft.
    Charles Singh, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
  • The combination of climate shifts, mountain uplift and vegetation changes created environments where sloths could evolve into a variety of forms—including multiple times when sloths became giants again.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Was this blemish somewhat new, or had it, like the rest of the decay in her life—the age spots that bloomed like lichen across the top of her hands, the foreshortening plait of her spine—been stealthily creeping up on her?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • The startup denies any link to iron dumping on the basis that its particles don’t release iron directly into the water and don’t create an uncontrolled algae bloom.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • European banks have meanwhile significantly boosted their profits over the last three years as central banks dragged interest rates out of a decade of ultra-low territory, a shift that appears to have been belatedly priced in this year — even with rates now falling .
    Jenni Reid,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 6 July 2025
  • Home plate umpire John Bacon appeared to miss two pitches in that at-bat, which miffed Mendoza, who erupted out of the dugout, kicked some dirt and was quickly ejected.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The implications of the Democrats’ current predicament extend far beyond immediate legislative setbacks.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
  • Those benefits extend beyond Rosary’s walls, school leadership has said.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • High winds can cause enough stress that sprouts stop growing.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
  • The rookie knows that’s the only way to grow in the hectic environment of the NBA Summer League.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • These flowering annuals produce an abundance of summer blooms on wiry stems.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • History buffs and those who appreciate beautiful architecture should take time to stroll through Berlin’s quaint neighborhoods where every house has its own irresistible character, and the flowering trees are centuries old.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • That leadership will need to show itself in the coming months, before ballots are printed and voters start returning ballots by mail.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Tropical Depression Chantal tracker This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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