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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 As Andrew navigates a path of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance, his story unfolds against the compelling backdrop of his father’s underdog triumphs. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 May 2025 Inside, the southern wing unfolds through an impressive art gallery—a transformed hallway that once featured dark oak cabinetry. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025 The series of events unfolded when a fight broke out between two boys earlier in the day on the campus. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 The events that unfolded recently have reinforced the need for more diverse geographical exposure, said Malcolm Dorson, head of the active investment team at Global X ETFs. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Now in its fourth year, Bleak Week is expanding across the country — and, via the Prince Charles Cinema, across the pond to London — to hold screenings at 11 venues in eight cities.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 May 2025
  • Its first outpost opened in Jackson Hole in 2017, but the brand just expanded to Sedona, Arizona, to debut its second location.
    Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • These numbers reflect evolving perspectives among high-net-worth Americans.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Although the show concluded in 1974, the lives of its cast members have continued to evolve in fascinating and sometimes unexpected ways over the last five decades.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The third boy, Ian Berg, remained pinned in the driver’s seat, a bruise blooming on the right side of his forehead.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
  • At the attached teahouse, enjoy the infinitely blooming flowers projected into your cup. Art and Museums in New York City A guide to the shows, exhibitions and artists shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
    Lisa Lucas, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The sculpture appears in the form of a glass cube, which glows with light that changes color based on live temperature data taken from the Hoh Rain Forest in near Seattle, Washington State.
    Lucy Handley, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • Farrow, known for her breakout role in the film Rosemary’s Baby, previously appeared on Broadway in the 1979 production of Romantic Comedy, opposite Anthony Perkins, as well as two subsequent staged readings on Broadway and regional productions.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • The mobile app now extends its utility as a productivity tool.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • The bill extends Trump’s signature 2017 tax cuts and includes other revenue-cutting goodies like no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, with a potential price tag of more than $4.5 trillion.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • An Army investigation found four horses had died in a year, the Army’s herd had grown old and their training and facilities were outdated.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • But today, humanity has grown to have a better appreciation for all sharks, even those that swim near the beach.
    Chris Pepin-Neff, Scientific American, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Another bonus of harvesting smaller fruit is that your plant will keep flowering and fruiting throughout the summer.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
  • The best way to encourage months of flowering on French (bigleaf) and oakleaf hydrangeas is by pruning as little as possible.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • In 1956, a survey of over 2,000 professors showed that 61% had been contacted by the FBI; 40% worried that students might misrepresent their politics; and about a quarter would not express their views for fear of the government.
    Time, Time, 20 May 2025
  • Someone whose results show elevated levels may need a biopsy to rule out cancer.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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