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 As Andrew navigates a path of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance, his story unfolds against the compelling backdrop of his father’s underdog triumphs. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 May 2025 Inside, the southern wing unfolds through an impressive art gallery—a transformed hallway that once featured dark oak cabinetry. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025 The series of events unfolded when a fight broke out between two boys earlier in the day on the campus. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 The events that unfolded recently have reinforced the need for more diverse geographical exposure, said Malcolm Dorson, head of the active investment team at Global X ETFs. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 May 2025
  • This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • These areas will all grow and evolve as more developers get the hardware to build and fine-tune these models locally.
    Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
  • Hundreds of millions of years later, our teeth — which evolved from that armor — have inherited that same ability to sense things like pain and temperature.
    Ari Daniel, NPR, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The third boy, Ian Berg, remained pinned in the driver’s seat, a bruise blooming on the right side of his forehead.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
  • At the attached teahouse, enjoy the infinitely blooming flowers projected into your cup. Art and Museums in New York City A guide to the shows, exhibitions and artists shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
    Lisa Lucas, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The chaos at Newark and Atlanta highlights problems that have become increasingly common, with summer travel season around the corner By A version of this article originally appeared in Quartz’s members-only Weekend Brief newsletter.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 19 May 2025
  • Benson made a brief but memorable cameo in the live-action film, appearing as a vendor at a marketplace who hands Bailey a fork on land.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Often complete with a heel that signified status, the riding-style leather boots could be extended fully, reaching the upper thighs, or folded down into cuffs.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
  • The bill extends Trump’s signature 2017 tax cuts and includes other revenue-cutting goodies like no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, with a potential price tag of more than $4.5 trillion.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • All three were still actively growing, Ramsay said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The company has steadily built a growing business in cryptocurrencies.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Spanish arthouse has flowered again in Spain, especially from a new generation of filmmakers.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • Whether depicting bustling city scenes, quiet temples, or flowering birds, Hiroshige’s prints spoke to a broad audience—creating accessible art that crossed class boundaries and elevated everyday life.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Roundabout Theatre Company showed Kander clapping in gratitude in a clip from the event shared on their Instagram. Lopez overhauled her appearance before attending the invite-only afterparty at Bryant Park Grill in New York City.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • In 1956, a survey of over 2,000 professors showed that 61% had been contacted by the FBI; 40% worried that students might misrepresent their politics; and about a quarter would not express their views for fear of the government.
    Time, Time, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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