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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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 Streamers can find watch the action unfold on Discovery+, HBO Max or Sling. Nick Brinkerhoff, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026 That’s when the real disaster started to unfold. Andrew Dampf, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 Each suite also features padded headboards, tray ceilings, writing desks, espresso machines, refrigerators, and height-adjustable compact tables that unfold for in-suite dining. Janice Wald Henderson, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026 How the protest unfolded After marching from Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, the protesters passed near the Olympic Village, which was secured by a large police cordon. Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • For many schools, that means expanding technical education classes, building partnerships with local businesses, and getting creative with transporting teens — some just on the cusp of learning to drive — to part-time work.
    Carley Lanich, IndyStar, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Powered by rapid advances in embodied intelligence, China’s humanoid robots are advancing rapidly, expanding their potential roles in both industrial settings and home environments.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Beyond thermal resilience, the technology is expected to advance as materials and cell designs continue to evolve.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The mood around EVs can be attributed to many factors, such as the loss of federal tax credits in 2025; the end of emissions waivers and revenues from carbon credits; and diminished aftermarket values as consumers fear battery degradation and anticipate quickly evolving technologies.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • One of the most poisonous mushrooms is blooming across California.
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • This sturdy annual, a petunia relative, may bloom from late spring until fall.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In a video demo, Alibaba showed a robot with pincers for hands that appeared to be able to count oranges, pick them up and place them in a basket.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
  • An armed intruder stood on Guthrie’s doorstep in the dead of night, wearing a balaclava, a bulky backpack, and what appeared to be black neoprene gloves.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Kawhi Leonard made two free throws, but the Rockets scored the next four points to extend the lead.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The vote on Tuesday sought to extend previous language that blocked tariff repeal resolutions from getting a vote, which expired at the end of January.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the bloom of illicit pot grows on private land has been demanding California’s attention, a growing problem since voters legalized cannabis in 2016.
    Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • With increasing production complexity and a growing shortage of skilled labor, the Group views Physical AI systems as a robust solution to address gaps in both areas.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Key harvest signals include firm skin, flowering for early harvests, and foliage dieback for full maturity.
    David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 9 Feb. 2026
  • There are several trees and shrubs that flower in spring that will work for forcing inside in late winter.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Already, one in six families are in arrears, Wolfe said, noting the association’s preliminary review shows that household utility debt climbed to roughly $25 billion at the end of last year, up from about $23 billion the prior year.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The results showed that while standard chemical leaching struggled without gravity to move fluids, the microbes didn’t blink.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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