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 film unfolds as a lyrical meditation on long-distance love, personal ambition, and the delicate emotional gravity that holds people together.
—
Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
The incident unfolded on Saturday, May 31, at the Shanghai Disneyland Resort.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 3 June 2025
So there is conflict for many when watching the celebrations unfold.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 June 2025
The forum unfolded against a backdrop of rising campus anxiety over immigration enforcement.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
The incident unfolded on Saturday, May 31, at the Shanghai Disneyland Resort.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 3 June 2025
So there is conflict for many when watching the celebrations unfold.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 June 2025
The forum unfolded against a backdrop of rising campus anxiety over immigration enforcement.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
-
This season, the hotel has also expanded with the renovation of a neighboring building, unveiling 25 new rooms each designed around an outdoor patio with sea views.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
8 June 2025
-
Trump’s memo will go into the history books as a moment when presidential power expanded to put under his control a military force aimed at U.S. civilians.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
Formed in the 1950s, the original trio: O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald Isley, brought gospel harmonies to rhythm and blues, later evolving into soul, funk, and rock trailblazers.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
5 June 2025
-
The rise of the rearview camera: How backup cams changed driving for Americans Driver assistance and safety features have evolved over the past decade.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
Some flowers bloom at the beginning of spring, while others begin to flower at the end of the summer or early fall and can bloom for a couple of days or weeks.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
1 June 2025
-
Visit in spring to avoid the worst of the crowds, and see the landscape awash in seasonal wildflower blooms.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
Slezak is set to appear in Craig Brewer's musical film Song Sung Blue at the end of this year.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
13 June 2025
-
The best actors to take on a Wes Anderson role, many of whom have appeared again and again throughout the course of the filmmaker’s 12 features, seem comfortable stretching out in this narrow window of temperament.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
So Far The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time As a result, Benét and his team got to work with the Duets EP, teasing out the concept of having an all-women-features project, with their eyes set on an album that would extend the idea to even more songs.—
Meagan Jordan,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2025
-
Eric, a veteran and second-amendment enthusiast, has a love of country that extends to protecting the rights of his trans son, Rae.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
In the decades since, PEOPLE has grown to become the iconic brand it is known as today — expanding from a newsstand-only publication to now include digital news coverage and social media coverage, as well as a new app, among other ventures.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
8 June 2025
-
The industry continued to grow until 2020, when a combination of weather and economic conditions dealt setbacks to farmers and processors alike.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
As temperatures increase, so will flowering and fruiting.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2025
-
Most home plantings need well over a year to grow large enough to flower and fruit.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
The release did not specify the date of the arrest, but Ada County Jail records show that Teague was booked Thursday evening.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
14 June 2025
-
Video from the weather event shows city streets transformed into waterways and passing city buses generating waves that broke against storefronts, while the rain persisted, relentless and torrential.—
Rob Schmitz,
NPR,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share