Synonyms of unfurl

unfurl

verb

ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

as in to expand

to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area

after the protestors had unfurled their banner, it stretched from one side of the visitors' gallery to the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expand
• extend
• unfold
• open
• spread (out)
• outspread
• stretch (out)
• flare (out)
• outstretch
• fan (out)
• overspread

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• close
• fold
• reduce
• contract
• compact
• compress
• condense

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfurl

In the bleachers, members of the Bleacher Creatures unfurl and display an American flag, and it’s usually shown on the big scoreboard screen in center field. — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Earlier, in a downpour at daybreak, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top military officials stood outside and watched as a giant American flag was unfurled on the building struck by one of those planes a quarter century ago. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

But the real entertainment is watching the six sails unfurl valiantly in the breeze as the sailing yachts, Wind Star, Wind Spirit, and Wind Surf, get underway to whisk passengers to the next idyllic Greek village. — Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

As the lights went up members of the audience started unfurling Palestinian flags as well as one or two Lebanese flags. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026