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

Sheets of plastic had been place in the Great American Ball Park visiting clubhouse since the day before, attached to the ceiling with binder clips and folded up above the lockers, ready to be unfurled after the game for the Dodgers’ celebration. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Or maybe the stars of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, held every October with its red carpet unfurling outside the nearby Trustees Theater. — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2026

Facing second-and-goal at the Denver 15-yard-line on the Chiefs’ first drive of the season, Travis Kelce was Patrick Mahomes’ primary target as the play unfurled. — Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

This approach worked for Jean Nelson of Pasadena, California, after her 2-year-old son, Luke, took delight in dragging toilet paper down the hall, giggling as the roll unfurled behind him. — Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 13 Sep. 2026