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

As San Diego Comic-Con unfolds this week, thousands of attendees gather to celebrate their favorite characters, stories and fandoms in what many consider the highlight of their year. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 25 July 2026

Fourth round play continues in Blaine, MN, watch to see how the event unfolds. — Data Skrive, New York Times, 25 July 2026

The tragedy unfolds amid a punishing Western wildfire season driven by dry weather, scant snowpack, heat and erratic winds. — Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

Plot The story unfolds over a few weeks in the summer of 1947 in Mano Majra, a fictional village near the Sutlej River lying along what will become the boundary between the two emerging countries. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Three phases The plan unfolds in three phases, though the report only develops the first one, focusing on stabilization and emergency measures. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Looking ahead, most experts expect conditions to stay stable, with moderate shifts possible as the year unfolds. — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 24 July 2026

The story looks at the passion and heartbreak of creative collaboration, and unfolds against the rising video game industry of the 1990s-2000s. — Brent Lang, Variety, 24 July 2026

The courage Sullenberger wants to summon now is personal and intimate and unfolds in millions of families every day. — Scott Simon, NPR, 18 July 2026