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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unfurl
The 12-hour time difference didn’t stop him from diving headfirst into the moment, jumping on the bed, playfully unfurling the pieces and directing camera cuts.
—
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026
Amid the World Economic Forum’s confab in Davos, Switzerland—where coalition building and global cooperation are usually central themes—Trump unfurled a Western Hemisphere First school of thought that has roots in a Cold War understanding of geopolitical stasis.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
Launched in 2006, the 288-foot head turner has won over 18 awards for its innovative design, which includes 2,400 square meters of sails that unfurl in just six minutes and a three-deck atrium with sunlight.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2026
Since then, changes have started unfurling at the entertainment and retail center.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfurl
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026
Amid the World Economic Forum’s confab in Davos, Switzerland—where coalition building and global cooperation are usually central themes—Trump unfurled a Western Hemisphere First school of thought that has roots in a Cold War understanding of geopolitical stasis.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
Launched in 2006, the 288-foot head turner has won over 18 awards for its innovative design, which includes 2,400 square meters of sails that unfurl in just six minutes and a three-deck atrium with sunlight.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2026
Since then, changes have started unfurling at the entertainment and retail center.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfurl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfurl
Verb
-
Jennie headlined Coachella as a solo artist while expanding her fashion ventures.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In recent years, auction houses have expanded their categories as luxury goods and collectibles have helped buoy their sales.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell to the lowest since March 2022 on Tuesday, extending declines from earlier this week.—
Marcus Wong,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
-
How long the learning process takes with Hurzeler, and whether the inevitable bumps along the way extend to lasting and meaningful decline, will define his longevity.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Their characters also had a romantic history and a will-they-won't-they dynamic that unfolded amid the ER's chaos.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The Legislature’s tax discussions are unfolding in the shadow of a controversial ballot measure proposal to impose a one-time tax on the state’s billionaires.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
About 80 warming centers were opened across the state, known as one of the nation's poorest.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The French Ambassador to Denmark opened the show, while French singer Oklou performed in place of a soundtrack.—
Amy O’Brien,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfurl. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
