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 the evening unfolds, casual remarks sharpen, silences deepen, and every polished courtesy seems to carry another meaning. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026

Neither flag moves or changes as the story of two marines accused of murder and defended by a hotshot junior lawyer — known to most as a young Tom Cruise from the 1992 movie, Sorkin’s first — unfolds between them. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

The hallucinatory cinematography and imposing Victorian mansion in which much of the story unfolds provide an abundance of atmosphere. — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

The Phillies have several months to figure it out as an uncertain offseason unfolds. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

For The Times) Onwuachi’s tribute to the origins of jerk chicken unfolds over five days. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

The picture unfolds against the backdrop of a family digital detox vacation in a house in a Swedish forest which takes a terrifying turn when a teenager discovers an old modem and unwittingly awakens a dormant, sadistic demon when it is fired up. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026

The story unfolds during the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), when Taiwan’s cypress industry was thriving, and views the era through a Japanese woman’s eyes. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

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