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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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 The heat dome comes just as the knockout stage of the World Cup unfolds throughout 11 American cities, including several affected by the intense heat. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2026 Almost all of this unfolded without much downside for the GOP. David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2026 Families can explore galleries that explain how supplies moved through Pittsburgh to support the Continental Army, how diplomacy unfolded with Native nations, and how everyday people navigated a world in conflict. Usa Today, USA Today, 1 July 2026 During a year-long internship, students can better see how teams interact, build relationships across the organization and watch careers unfold in real time. Byron V. Garrett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Since then, the United States has expanded from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Thematically, Maciek said, the costumes’ evolving colors tell their own story throughout the show.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Workforce needs, customer expectations, and business conditions evolve, and leaders have to be willing to adjust if the model stops delivering results.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Cheryl planted perennials at the property to bloom throughout the year.
    David Caraccio Updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • Within days of the pool being refilled on June 9, patches of vivid green algae bloomed across the surface, particularly near the Lincoln and World War II memorials.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The 36-year-old Spaniard breaks Roger Federer’s record by appearing in a 66th consecutive Grand Slam singles tournament, continuing a run that started at the 2002 French Open.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Actress Mariska Hargitay, who joined Swift courtside at Madison Square Garden during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, appears to have one notable gap in her Broadway schedule.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Junior Caminero has already done some things no Rays players had ever accomplished, such as extending his sizzling power show on Friday to include hitting 10 home runs over a 10-game span.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • With runners on second and third, in a 1-2 count, Pages extended to the outside edge of the plate to get around a slider and send it through the left side of the infield.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • The utility attributed the higher costs to broader market dynamics, including more expensive wholesale electricity and growing demand from large users such as manufacturers and data centers across PJM’s 13-state grid.
    Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The spectacle gave rise to self-starters like Ai who sought to cash in on the growing hype.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • After flowering, the foliage continues to photosynthesize and generates energy, which is stored in the roots.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
  • Each flowering stem adds blooms to the end, so the stems can become long and tangled over time.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • In fact, research shows that when given the choice, on-site work remains the least popular option across every age range according to Gallup.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The younger James, who was drafted in the second round in 2024 to form the first father-son duo in NBA history, showed steady improvement during his second season.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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