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 chaotic scene unfolded Saturday at around 2 a.m. in East Hollywood as people spilled out from the Vermont Hollywood nightclub. John Bacon, USA Today, 21 July 2025 That moment unfolded a decade ago on the set of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, before Trump had yet to run in a single 2016 primary. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2025 The details of the deal unfolded this summer in tax bills introduced in Congress. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 21 July 2025 Learn how the action unfolded in Hoffman Estates, Illinois: Rotation One: The first rotation saw impressive hits multiply across the buzzing arena. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • The 8000 was born after the engineers at GE Aerospace reconfigured the Passport’s software and McCullough’s team expanded the fuel capacity in the wings.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
  • Further research is needed to expand our knowledge of the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiome.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, heat styling has evolved, with faster tools, dynamic temperatures and more frequent use.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • That's especially important if the malaria parasite evolves resistance against these new tools.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio has 28 beach advisories currently, 24 for high bacteria levels and four for toxic algae blooms.
    Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 21 July 2025
  • An average of 150 rose bushes bloom at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, which is a remarkable feat.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Sometimes in his bullpen management, Shildt has appeared extra urgent to win a game.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025
  • If clouds interfere, skywatchers will have another chance when Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets, will appear closely paired in the sky.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • From the beginning, Blake knew his responsibility extended far beyond administrative and coaching duties.
    Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The club just extended All-Star pitcher Seth Lugo with a new two-year contract.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Now comes news that many kinds of ticks are expanding their range and growing more abundant in the Midwest.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • And Bellevue, to the east, has grown to a similar population size.
    Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Staggering the height of flowering vertical growers.
    Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
  • Plant along pathways and beneath flowering shrubs for low maintenance charm.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Play the Long Game: His 23-year tenure as principal and 40-year term as a councilman show that lasting change is a marathon, not a sprint.
    Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • However, research shows that the old adage is true: Fortune favors the brave, not the cautious.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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