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
3
4
as in appears
to come into view
the majestic landscape unfolded before us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfolds
By comparing how development unfolds across different lineages, scientists can begin piecing together which traits are ancient and which are evolutionary innovations.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
The team will hold a free watch party Tuesday at Golden 1 Center, giving fans an opportunity to assemble as the first round unfolds on Day 1 of the draft.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
NewportFilm Outdoors, which unfolds each summer in the legendary resort town of Newport, Rhode Island, is returning with a lineup of new documentaries covering everything from sports icons to writers and girl scouts.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 17 June 2026
Cancer care is special in a way that unfolds over time, often over months, even years.
—Khushali Jhaveri, STAT, 17 June 2026
And if the day unfolds just right?
—Julie Jordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026
If the city’s gambit to buy the Knox-Goodrich building from Urban Catalyst unfolds, the real estate firm would be obliged to complete a permit process by the end of 2026 on the eight-story Gifford Apartments on the western edge of downtown San Jose.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
As opposed to tragedy’s narrative arc of historical fate, tragicomedy unfolds in an infinite present.
—Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
The Pocket Blanket folds down to roughly the size of a wallet but unfolds into a surprisingly spacious ground cover for picnics, lunch breaks, beach days, and campsite lounging.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
The team will hold a free watch party Tuesday at Golden 1 Center, giving fans an opportunity to assemble as the first round unfolds on Day 1 of the draft.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
NewportFilm Outdoors, which unfolds each summer in the legendary resort town of Newport, Rhode Island, is returning with a lineup of new documentaries covering everything from sports icons to writers and girl scouts.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 17 June 2026
Cancer care is special in a way that unfolds over time, often over months, even years.
—Khushali Jhaveri, STAT, 17 June 2026
And if the day unfolds just right?
—Julie Jordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026
If the city’s gambit to buy the Knox-Goodrich building from Urban Catalyst unfolds, the real estate firm would be obliged to complete a permit process by the end of 2026 on the eight-story Gifford Apartments on the western edge of downtown San Jose.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
As opposed to tragedy’s narrative arc of historical fate, tragicomedy unfolds in an infinite present.
—Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
The Pocket Blanket folds down to roughly the size of a wallet but unfolds into a surprisingly spacious ground cover for picnics, lunch breaks, beach days, and campsite lounging.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolds
Verb
-
The speaker lineup also reflects just how far the festival expands of beyond traditional advertising.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
Human spaceflight often expands beyond purely technical or scientific endeavors into ones of national pride and importance.—
Margaret Landis,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Mirren's nuanced performance informs a complicated hero who evolves over the series' seven installments.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
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When quantum technology evolves, companies that start studying applications now, even in pilot and experimental environments, will move quickly.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
This plant flowers year-round and, like all abutilon cultivars, is not water needy.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In some cases, such a reexamination appears to be already underway, said Paul Sanford, director of policy analysis at The Wilderness Society.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
The issue appears to be ongoing.—
Bri Buckley,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Season 3 opens with the Battle of the Gullet, the largest naval battle in the history of Westeros, and the moment that the Dance of Dragons kicks off in earnest.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
The student-run Yale Summer Cabaret opens its summer season dance/theater adaptation by TImothy Hartel of Euripides’ ever-popular tragedy about the god Dionysus descending to Earth and causing all kinds of trouble.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
As the season progresses, getting that balance back could be just as important as any trade deadline addition.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
After such an emphatic opening display from the holders, few would bet against Messi adding to his 16 World Cup goals as the tournament progresses.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
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This is typically done in the spring or summer, before the plant blooms.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
15 June 2026
-
The city blooms with bikers, picnickers, runners, and walkers, and cafés push their tables out to the sidewalk.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
10 June 2026
Verb
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The budget shows salaries and benefits going up more than $300,000 and services and supplies going down nearly $200,000.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Times video taken at the scene shows one man lying on the ground, his leg bleeding and wrapped with a green garment as a tourniquet, while others help him.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolds. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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