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 From there, a renovation inspired by hulls, portholes, and other nifty ship mechanics unfolded, full speed ahead. Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2026 But the current competition with China is very different than the one that unfolded two generations ago, according to Launius. Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2026 Instead of programming every step, the researchers simply let these dynamics unfold and then extracted useful information from the outcome. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026 Those debates unfold in Washington or Sacramento and in quadrennial elections. Russell Hancock, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • With the 2026 midterms approaching, sustained voter unease could reshape the broader electoral map and complicate Republican efforts to hold or expand their congressional margins.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But the department is looking to expand its authority.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Planets typically evolve from the rotating dust and gas disc encompassing a young star.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The collection merges advanced material engineering with innovative fiber compositions and a refined design language, offering a new perspective on how denim can evolve—both technically and aesthetically.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • All rooms are afforded garden views where lotus blossoms bloom in murky waters, mango trees produce sweet fruit, and orchids spring to life.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Spring has sprung, birds are singing and flowers are blooming, which can only mean April is arriving.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Zeeshan later appeared in bond court facing a charge of assault with religious prejudice.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Nancy Metayer Bowen appeared to be living her best life.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Edwards extended his hit streak to five games during Tuesday evening’s 9-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox, going 2 for 4 with a pair of singles.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Eighth-grader Ella Parece dealt a complete-game shutout, pairing with a two-RBI performance from Bella Bourque to help Taunton (2-0) extend its win streak to 58 games with a 5-0 Hockomock League victory over Attleboro.
    Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As ideological blocs collapsed, political scientist Samuel Huntington’s influential 1996 book Clash of Civilizations articulated a growing anxiety that globalization would harden into cultural antagonism rather than consensus.
    Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • New Era, a 200-bed facility, has had recurring outbreaks of Legionella, the bacteria that grow within water and air conditioning systems and can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, records show.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Warm temperatures and rain have kick-started the growth of many of our wonderful flowering trees and shrubs.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Transplant amaryllis that flowered during the winter to the garden or grow in containers.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The film also was shown at a number of other festivals before hitting the awards circuit as the Palestinian entry for this year’s Academy Awards.
    Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Another did not investigate a claim that a resident was stabbed by a fork-wielding manager, records show.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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