unfolds

Definition of unfoldsnext
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

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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

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 Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome unfolds in phases. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026 Regardless of which scenario unfolds, Barr emphasized that the long-term effects of AI are likely to be profoundly positive for living standards. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026 Advertisement As a challenge unfolds that requires the women to pair up for a somewhat Sapphic, nude photoshoot, Sullivan continues to deal with the fallout. Judy Berman, Time, 18 Feb. 2026 What unfolds is a gripping exploration of identity, privilege and devotion. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026 The 210-day limit is paused, however, as long as a nomination is pending in the Senate, allowing Bhattacharya or another acting director to remain while the confirmation process unfolds. USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026 Memoir becomes travel writing when movement through space is central to how the story unfolds. Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026 The film unfolds across two timelines, 2009 and 2025, centering on a chronically online college dropout and an underage OnlyFans streamer who are contacted by the same mysterious stalker. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 At the center is a turbulent romance between Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White), which unfolds over the course of eight years. Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolds
Verb
  • The love expands, the circle widens, the tradition shifts.
    Natasha Pickowicz, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Last month, Illinois took a major step forward with the signing of the Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), a bipartisan law that expands opportunity and strengthens Illinois’ economy.
    Curtis Reed, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That means investing in education, vocational training, and upskilling programs so workers can adapt and thrive as technology evolves.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Even as advertising evolves to embrace AI, many of the top AI companies saw value in old-school Super Bowl television ads.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The support for signaling an openness to a potential rate hike appears to be a significant shift from previous meetings.
    Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • That could be because this form of brain training appears to trigger something called implicit learning, which involves acquiring unconscious or automatic skills, like swimming or tying a shoelace.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Your 7th House of Partnership opens as the delicate Moon arrives, urging honest exchanges that respect privacy while naming what matters in a contract or friendship.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The exhibit opens with Edwards’ own journey.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As the season progresses, CNN is tracking these case rates and hospitalizations across the country.
    Koko Nakajima, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
  • As the evening progresses, the ski-chic crowd mixes with Yellowstone and Spanish Peaks Club members decked out in stylish cowboy hats and boots and Filson sweaters.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The roomy square toe and chunky geometric heel are on-trend and create a flattering silhouette, as does the shape of the faux-leather boot shaft, which blooms out slightly at the top to allow for full freedom of movement.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Black-eyed Susan blooms at the end of hot, humid summers when other plants are wilting.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Satellite imagery of the Imam Ali Missile Base in Khorramabad, captured on January 5, shows that of the dozen structures destroyed by Israel, three have been rebuilt, one has been repaired while three others are currently under construction.
    Farida Elsebai, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
  • That puts her among the top parenting content creators as Krystiana in her online videos shows her days and nights with her growing young family and partner Ryan Draney.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As of June 2026, when the hotel officially transitions from this soft opening phase to truly all-inclusive, every stay will be a full room-and-board rate—an offer that extends to the wine, beer, and snacks in the mini bar.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The resort’s focus on wellness extends far beyond the spa, though.
    Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfolds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolds. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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