unfolds

present tense third-person singular of unfold
1
as in expands
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 evolves
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

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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 unfolds As this event unfolds, its historic potential hangs heavy in the air. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025 Much of this lovely, cerebral film unfolds in a cozy Manhattan high-rise, a Christmas tree twinkling in the background as snow falls outside. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025 Thompson fuels the twisty, sexy and deadly night that unfolds with dangerous allure. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 The series that unfolds over the seven of nine episodes that were made available to critics is unique to say the least, though not entirely without precedent. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025 Set in contemporary London, Fuze unfolds after an unexploded World War II bomb is unearthed at a busy construction site, forcing a massive citywide evacuation. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025 The game play or the drama unfolds in a way that really matches that character’s atmosphere or that character’s aura. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2025 That has given them a buffer and momentum which, while unseen in the final league table, has a huge bearing on how a season unfolds. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025 The story unfolds against the backdrop of China’s dramatic economic transformation from the 1970s to the present. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolds
Verb
  • This foldable tote bag packs flat, expands instantly, and can carry souvenirs, beach gear, or laundry.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
  • That's how the music conveys that, expands it.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But as consumers' perception of value evolves, and their wallets tighten, some surprising stalwarts in the sit-down sector are making a comeback.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And as the audio space evolves into whatever comes next — the network’s foundation ensures its relevance.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Florida, however, appears committed to the trades.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025
  • One of the vehicles – a cargo truck bearing the dairy factory’s logo – appears to be completely torched, with a thick cloud of black smoke rising from it.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In 2023, a thirty-six-year-old version of myself opens the book again.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Bidding opens December 5 and runs through December 18 at the Pendry West Manhattan in New York City as part of Concierge Auctions’ End-of-Year Global Sale.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But the reality for him, fairly or unfairly, is that if some of the habits persist, the smoke may turn to fire as the season progresses.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • As the show progresses, flashbacks also reveal parts of many of the characters' pasts.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, where temperatures stay above 40 degrees, this hybrid of two South African natives blooms all twelve months of the year in coastal gardens.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The sweet spots for airfare are between February and May, once the Carnival festivities are over and before the July holidays, and again from September to November, when Brazil blooms into spring.
    Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Dak Brinkley shows pass rushing ability KU freshman defensive end Dak Brinkley recorded the first two sacks of his college career on back-to-back plays in the second quarter.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The atlas shows routes spanning from Spain to Syria, connecting more than 5,000 ancient settlements.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Her win extends Democratic control of the governor’s mansion to a third consecutive term and cements her status as one of the party’s rising national figures.
    Nik Popli, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Growing skepticism in American society about the value of multilateralism extends to economic issues.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfolds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolds. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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