unfolds

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 As the funeral unfolds, however, the village’s dark secrets slowly emerge. John Hopewell, Variety, 25 June 2026 With valuations and expectations running high, there’s bound to be some volatility as the AI economy unfolds. Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 As the tournament unfolds, the most decisive factor on the field may not be tactics, fitness or even talent. Carlos Roa, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 The novel unfolds like an oral storytelling tradition, driven by a voice that Sarris painstakingly crafted, evoking his conversation with McKay. Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 Meanwhile, Grier has also engineered a path to nab one of the top defenders in this rich blue-line class, most probably Daxon Rudolph, if the board unfolds as widely expected, by acquiring the ninth pick. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 24 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolds
Verb
  • Usage spikes can happen suddenly, experimentation expands rapidly across teams and model selection decisions may be driven more by hype than operational efficiency.
    Deepak Mittal, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The brand also expands its reach through digital tools, virtual consultants and ongoing training to maintain its product accessibility and integrity.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • In a separate Psychology Today piece, Julieta Zemla explores how scent can shift in meaning as a relationship evolves, drawing on research that links smell to stress regulation between partners.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • Over time, this structure evolves in today’s ESOPs.
    Mary Josephs, Forbes.com, 23 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
  • Now, following intense backlash from local communities, a series of lawsuits and a leadership shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security, the agency appears to be abandoning the initiative – a dramatic shift away from a plan that had already seen spending upwards of $1 billion.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Everyday life appears laid-back.
    Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Steady effort opens a surprisingly easy door.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
  • November 22 – December 21 Steady effort opens a surprisingly easy door.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • West Nile virus activity is expected to surge in the Sacramento area as the summer progresses, authorities said.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • As the disease progresses, muscles throughout the body can become rigid and go into painful spasms.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Research shows over half of American travelers feel exhausted, with one in five admitting to booking a trip out of anger.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • One feed shows real-time footage of the FIFA Fan Fest at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, while another displays a map of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, where World Cup matches are being held.
    Larry Seward, CBS News, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfolds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolds. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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