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

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

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 Like the movie, the series begins as a deeply human story grounded in relationships that gradually unfolds into a large-scale, epic adventure. Ed Meza, Variety, 14 May 2026 Not every summer movie needs to be a mystery that unfolds hallway after hallway, with a creature hiding around every corner ready to pop out. Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 As the night unfolds, the party crowd revisits past loves, secrets, and lost dreams. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026 The difficulty lies in adapting a process that unfolds over months into a format that can be taught in a matter of sessions. Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026 However, those odds could rise significantly in 2027, depending on how the event unfolds. Dan Peck, ABC News, 14 May 2026 But as their arrangement unfolds, what was meant to be temporary soon develops into real feelings neither Hannah nor Garrett expected. Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 13 May 2026 The campaign unfolds as a romantic American pop star fantasy, where soft vintage femininity meets Western Americana and melodic storytelling. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2026 Every seating unfolds to a soundtrack of 90s hip-hop, an unexpected but perfect counterpoint that keeps the room relaxed, energetic, and quietly joyful. Lori Fredrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolds
Verb
  • The move aims to improve traceability and accountability as China’s humanoid robotics industry rapidly expands.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
  • Yes—putting metaphorical pen to page is fundamental, but so, too, is nurturing that which expands my literary capacity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • As the village erupts into full-scale panic, the emergency evolves into a darker mystery, forcing the cop to confront a seemingly impossible reality.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026
  • Start with the method that feels most natural to you today, and adjust as your financial life evolves.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • This plant flowers year-round and, like all abutilon cultivars, is not water needy.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fighting appears to shift in Ukraine’s favor The correlation of forces in the war has shifted in recent months.
    Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The La Jolla Recreation Center appears to have been saved from potential closure after San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria revised a budget proposal that last month included a scenario in which the 111-year-old building would be shuttered.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The site also includes a seven-day forecast, outage maps, preparation tips and information about community resource centers that PG&E opens during shutoffs.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2026
  • One door closes and another opens.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • As the illness progresses, coughing and difficulty breathing can develop.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
  • As the condition progresses, leaves may turn yellow or translucent, develop spots that enlarge and burst, and eventually fall off when the plant is touched or moved, Abdi adds.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • What color blooms your hydrangeas will deliver is dependent on the pH level of the soil in which it's planted.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
  • Butterfly weed is a native to North America that blooms in mid to late summer, immediately luring butterflies and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.
    Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • According to the Wall Street Journal, new data shows the growth of xAI’s two-year old chatbot, Grok, has stagnated.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 14 May 2026
  • Resident video shows aftermath Initial video released Sunday by a nearby resident showed officers running along the light‑rail tracks toward a person, and one officer kicking away what appears to be a gun from the individual on the ground.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfolds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolds. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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