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

Officials stress that the information released so far is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation unfolds. — Cbs News Miami Digital Team, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

The footage mixes high-speed chases and explosive action with comedic beats, framing a story built around chaos, mismatched heroism and rising stakes as the mission unfolds. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

The world reacts to your actions through dynamic NPC encounters, wildlife, exploration, and an honor system that can shape how the story unfolds. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

There, a summer of new friends, romance, and family secrets unfolds. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

But as this debate over propriety unfolds, a dedicated swath of the Democratic base is delighted. — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026

And much of the film unfolds as text displayed on the screen, with Béatrice (Anne-Laure Sellier) poring over decades of historical documents that the filmmakers translate for us. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

The layout of Homey, operated out of a hybrid office-store, unfolds residence-like, from living room to dining room, from kitchen to family room. — Judy Sutton Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Granted, save for one image on a TV screen, no one wears a Green Lantern mask or outfit in the Lanterns pilot, but the wheels of its story have been in motion for decades by the time its premise unfolds. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026