1
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area carefully unfold that antique map so that it doesn't tear

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2
as in to evolve
to gradually become clearer or more detailed as the situation unfolded, it became clear that more help would be needed the movie became more interesting once the mystery began to unfold

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3
as in to bloom
to produce flowers the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

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4

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 unfold McFarland is the founder of the original 2017 Fyre Festival that gained popularity after it was heavily promoted on social media by influencers and celebrities before disastrously unfolding with shoddy lodging, disorganization and infamous cheese sandwiches. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025 The pairs on the crater rim then hoist their companions back up, unfolding the mesh and lofting the receiver above the dish. ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025 As the mystery unfolds, Lejla is forced to confront her past and question whether the girl's disappearance is a coincidence, or connected to something much darker. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 But there’s little confusion in how Nurkic wants things to unfold over the coming weeks. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • For 2024, the list was expanded to 450 companies and looked at their emissions between 2020 and 2022.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Believed to have originated in 15th-century Italy as a card game used by nobility, the original deck was expanded and popularized by 18th-century French occultists; and again later in the 20th century, when modern tarot was born thanks to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, published in 1909.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In general, Zimmerman says, animals that evolved in areas prone to disturbance are adapted to handle those variables.
    Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As cost-of-living challenges and job market anxieties mount, Gen Z's consumer values are evolving.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But remember, don't spray when the trees are blooming because neem oil is toxic to bees.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Throughout the season, viewers witnessed the pair’s friendship evolve into a blooming relationship.
    Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After the risk assessment, the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13, Newsom said.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His term would be up around the end of May but it had been widely rumored that the White House could take steps to keep him on or extend his employment status in some way.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Given that half of these coal plants would probably cost too much to upgrade and continue operating, the contribution from extending the lifetimes of active coal plants would fall to something below 5%.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Every neighborhood deserves safe streets, quality services, thriving businesses, and places where families can grow with dignity.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Under California’s Adult Use of Marijuana Act, people 21 and older can legally grow, possess and use cannabis for recreational use.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This mystery concerns the connection between winter cold and spring flowering.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Some species are more drawn to flower nectar than others.
    Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Monday's filing showed the investigations began April 1 and the tariffs would be imposed under the authority of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which grants the president such power to protect national security.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The Cubs have shown the willingness to go all in by acquiring Tucker.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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