unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

unfurled; unfurling; unfurls

transitive verb

: to release from a furled state

intransitive verb

: to open out from or as if from a furled state : unfold

Synonyms

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

Examples of unfurl in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

From our hilltop vantage point, San Juan del Sur unfurled below, leading to a large swath of sandy beach and a glittering ocean. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025

The wild speculation quickly unfurled, with fans guessing that Gallagher may have been hinting at warm-up gigs or additional dates. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 June 2025

The interview was taped on Thursday as Musk's posts were unfurling on X, the social media network the billionaire owns. —CBS News, 7 June 2025

Flanagan, also to his credit, goes all in on the legendary author’s unconventional storytelling, a lifetime that unfurls in three acts and in reverse. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for unfurl

• cowgirl
• schoolgirl
• burl
• churl
• earl
• girl
• hurl
• merl
• merle
• perle
• swirl
• twirl

Kids Definition

unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

: to loose from a furled state : open or spread : unfold

unfurl sails

unfurl a flag