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 Between airline meals, charming flight attendants (played by Ella Bleu and Olga Hoffmann), unexpected stopovers, larger-than-life passengers, and a thrilling glimpse at first class, the journey unfolds in moments both magical and unexpected, charting the course for the boy's future. Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 While home to less than 2,000 students, the campus, called the Domain, spans 13,000 acres, much of it still wild and undeveloped, and the areas where college life unfolds are dotted with Gothic Revival architecture; take it all in with a serene stroll. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026 The black-and-white shot movie unfolds over one intimate weekend following the life-altering encounter. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026 Competition unfolds not only between like products but within broader constellations of products, platforms, and consumer preferences. David B McGarry, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026 The story unfolds with Riley’s oldest son, Buddy, buying at a garage sale a set of old but never used golf clubs for his father, a golf journalist and a modestly capable player. Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 But starting from a place where everything is visible at once changes how that process unfolds. Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026 What unfolds is not a story of deception, but of unexpected ingenuity. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026 The scene unfolds from the POV of its main character, credited only as the Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya), who’s commuting on a crowded train. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolds
Verb
  • The move follows an uptick in deadly attacks across parts of the country, even as the US-Nigeria security partnership expands.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The film shows Dane's desire for the reauthorization of the ACT for ALS, a 2021 law which grants funding to scientific research and expands access to investigational ALS treatments for people who are not otherwise eligible for clinical trials.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Even if the financing structure is ring-fenced and backed by an investment-grade counterparty, the real risk may lie in whether an equity issue today later evolves into a credit problem over time.
    April Roach, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026
  • As trauma treatment evolves, more people are exploring emerging, nontraditional and deeply personal paths toward recovery.
    Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The second video appears to capture the moment that prompted a call to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
    Nick Sullivan April 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The ceasefire mostly appears to be holding.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The apps and websites can only be accessed again once the user opens the Brick app and taps the phone back on the little grey box.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The innovative funk band Nth Power opens.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As the season progresses, though, these two worlds become more difficult to reconcile.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Rangers will need their bats as the season progresses, especially Langford who entered this season with big expectations.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Aren’t the languid purple wisteria blooms so pretty this time of year?
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The former blooms every 2-5 years for a week, and the latter produces a flower every year that blooms for a day.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Video uploaded to social media shows Peralta speeding through the neighborhood with an NYPD squad car in pursuit.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The bundles are available through StreamStore, Xfinity’s digital storefront for streaming apps and services, which includes more than 450 streaming apps and channels and 200,000 movies and TV shows to rent or purchase.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The area is bounded by the Interstate 485/Providence Road interchange and extends south to the South Carolina state line.
    Chase Jordan April 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Our work extends beyond the local level.
    Igor Alterman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfolds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolds. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unfolds

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster