Synonyms of unfolds

unfolds

verb

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

• expands
• opens
• extends
• unfurls
• spreads (out)
• stretches (out)
• flares (out)
• fans (out)
• outstretches
• outspreads
• overspreads

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closes
• folds
• contracts
• reduces
• condenses
• compresses
• compacts

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

• evolves
• progresses
• grows
• develops
• elaborates
• emerges
• proceeds
• matures
• ripens
• marches
• fares
• gets on
• advances
• materializes
• blossoms
• gets along
• plays out
• forges

3

as in flowers

to produce flowers

the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flowers
• blooms
• blossoms
• burgeons
• blows
• leaves
• effloresces
• opens
• buds
• leafs

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fades
• dies
• expires
• dries up
• withers
• shrivels
• drops
• perishes
• wilts

4

as in appears

to come into view

the majestic landscape unfolded before us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appears
• shows
• comes
• arrives
• looms
• rises
• materializes
• reappears
• happens
• emerges
• comes out
• turns up
• shows up
• erupts
• occurs
• arises
• resurfaces
• surfaces
• dawns
• debuts
• blossoms
• breaks out
• crops (up)
• bulks
• springs (up)
• breaks
• shoots (up)
• issues
• outcrops
• bobs (up)
• rematerializes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disappears
• goes (away)
• dissolves
• fades
• vanishes
• evaporates
• clears
• melts (away)
• leaves
• departs
• withdraws
• retires
• evanesces

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfolds

The Day unfolds across a single day, as police stumble across a bank robbery mid-heist, and the criminals barricade themselves inside. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026

Philippe said the costume helps convey the character's emotional journey as the story unfolds. — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The series, based on the 2018 Belgian series De Dag, unfolds across a single day. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Hundreds of workers will be scurrying around the downtown arena each day, ensuring the marathon run of events unfolds smoothly. — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 21 Oct. 2026

The dispute unfolds as North Korea fortifies the already heavily armed frontier and both sides trade accusations, with diplomacy stalled and Seoul’s military vowing a firm response. — Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

The cashier unfolds a plastic bag, clicks around on his computer. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

The extraordinary exhibition unfolds in scenes, beginning with a self-portrait by South African photographer Zanele Muholi, followed by a dual-screen video installation featuring archival images from the 19th and 20th centuries. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Levy plays Jane Cooper, whose marathon unfolds alongside flashbacks. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026