UNFURL Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

unfurl

verb

ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l

Definition of unfurl

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 What little distortion there is only accents the lush drums and synths, all unfurling as clearly as the vocals. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 But as the tarp was still unfurling, both dugouts were on the field and near home plate as an argument broke out. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The group unfurled a Palestinian flag during a performance at the Star Theatre in Singapore on July 29. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 The rumors haven’t left much to the imagination, but Samsung has unfurled its 2026 foldable lineup today. — ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfurl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfurl

Verb

Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
While most of its stores are in mainland China, the company had 4,378 stores overseas as of end-June and has been expanding into new markets, including central Asia and the Americas.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

The collective process involved in the making of even one film is extended by the electric impact of films placed in juxtaposition.

— Geoffrey O’Brien, The New York Review of Books, 22 Aug. 2026
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner extended his contract at Inter Miami last October, tying him to the Major League Soccer side through the 2028 season.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

The suspect, identified by the NYPD as 31-year-old Jesus Acosta, is being hunted in connection with two deadly shootings that unfolded days apart across New York City, police told Fox News Digital.

— Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
As her creative uncertainty grows, a strange mystery unfolds when a series of provocative and obscene artworks inexplicably disappear.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfold

Verb

Behind Earl, who started at wide receiver and also played safety, North Chicago orchestrated a one-week turnaround for the ages, putting its 61-12 season-opening loss to Zion-Benton in the rearview mirror.

— Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Gates officially open Monday, August 31, but just over half of the attendees will arrive earlier to build the big art installations and other features of the temporary city.

— Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of open

Browse Nearby Words

unfunny

unfurl

unfurled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unfurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfurl. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unfurl

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

kith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes