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

Blood is trying to fit a lot into 70 minutes, and while certain aspects of plot or character might have been unfurled with a bit more elegance over a longer period, the decision to keep things brisk feels like the right one. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2024

Mammalian claws may have unfurled into flattened nails because there was some upside to the change. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024

Demonstrators unfurled banners and shouted slogans, but Harris turned the interruptions into an opportunity to reinforce her commitment to democracy. —Nik Popli/charlotte, N.c., TIME, 3 Nov. 2024

The Dodgers came and went without them being unfurled in celebration. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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