unfold

verb

un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld How to pronounce unfold (audio)
unfolded; unfolding; unfolds
Synonyms of unfoldnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to open the folds of : spread or straighten out : expand
unfolded the map
b
: to remove (something, such as a package) from the folds : unwrap
unfolding a parcel
2
: to open to the view : reveal
especially : to make clear by gradual disclosure and often by recital
unfolded his story to me

intransitive verb

1
a
: to open from a folded state : open out : expand
b
: blossom
2
: develop, evolve
as the story unfolds
3
: to open out gradually to the view or understanding : become known
a panorama unfolds before their eyes
unfoldment
ˌən-ˈfōl(d)-mənt How to pronounce unfold (audio)
noun

Synonyms of unfold

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Examples of unfold in a Sentence

The couch unfolds to form a bed. We'll have more news as events unfold. We watched the drama unfold on live television. As the story unfolds, we learn that the boy became an orphan when he was one year old.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Quixotic aerialists twisted, turned and unfolded above the crowd, using flowing fabric and butterfly-inspired movements to mirror the creatures being celebrated. — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 Thaw the dough just until it can be unfolded, then immediately cut. — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026 The spread of personal computing unfolded across generations of hardware, operating systems and workplace practices. — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 One tiny decision can act as a huge catalyst for your life path to unfold in a new way. — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfold was before the 12th century

Rhymes for unfold

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Browse Nearby Words

unfocused
unfold
unfolded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfold. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfold

verb
un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld How to pronounce unfold (audio)
1
a
: to spread or cause to spread or straighten out from a folded position or arrangement
unfolded the map
b
: unwrap
2
: bloom entry 2 sense 1
3
: develop sense 1a
as the story unfolds
4
: to open out or cause to open out gradually to the view or understanding
new technology unfolds before us

More from Merriam-Webster on unfold

Nglish: Translation of unfold for Spanish Speakers

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