Definition of unfoldnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 On a single day in America, two tragedies unfolded that should force us to confront an uncomfortable truth. Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 The most immediate fallout is unfolding in Louisiana, where the Supreme Court invalidated the state’s congressional map and forced officials to halt the May 16 House primaries. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026 Of the 250 years since the country’s founding, less than a quarter unfolded under the aegis of universal suffrage. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026 Here's a look at how the night unfolded for Ligon and Angeletti. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • The chain eventually expanded to other nameplates — Banana Republic and Old Navy — and now generates more than $15 billion in sales globally.
    Anne D'Innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • That means expanding the Renter’s Tax Credit, protecting homeowners from rising costs and making sure renters know their rights and can access homelessness prevention services.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • The See’s shop has moved around as the center developed and evolved over the decades; to date, there have been four locations.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
  • The main house has to evolve with the people living in it.
    Amy Kunst, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Fuchsias bloom in combinations of bright red, raspberry pink, and salmon against white or purple centers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
  • In the early 1900s, the region bloomed in abundance with 12,000 acres of flower fields.
    Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • With the house emptied of living (and costumed) guests, its furnishings, in all their liveliness, appear only to mask an unnatural torpor.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Its gibbous disk appears small and featureless.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Batting from the right side, Romo’s home run to left-center against Suter in the sixth extended the lead to 4-1.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Coach Luis Enrique's PSG is at full strength while Vincent Kompany's Bayern has already clinched a record-extending 35th Bundesliga championship and remains on course for a treble.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Several speakers pointed to a growing body of research showing that minor stops disproportionately affect Black and brown motorists and do little to combat violent crime while eroding public trust.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • The intensity of its light continues to grow as Rich and Abby Zawadzki lead the way in the circle.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The versatile sedum comes in a vast array of textures, colors, shapes, and sizes, ranging from groundcovers that can create flowering carpets 4 inches high to tall upright varieties reaching 2–3 feet high.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Midwest Living, 4 May 2026
  • This group of native daisies includes annual, perennial or biennial species that flower for months on end.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Several speakers pointed to a growing body of research showing that minor stops disproportionately affect Black and brown motorists and do little to combat violent crime while eroding public trust.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • In a recess behind the desk in Carnevali’s office a photo shows Squinzi and his wife Adriana Spazzoli holding the TIM Trophy at the Mapei in 2013.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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