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 As Andrew navigates a path of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance, his story unfolds against the compelling backdrop of his father’s underdog triumphs. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 May 2025 Inside, the southern wing unfolds through an impressive art gallery—a transformed hallway that once featured dark oak cabinetry. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025 The series of events unfolded when a fight broke out between two boys earlier in the day on the campus. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 The events that unfolded recently have reinforced the need for more diverse geographical exposure, said Malcolm Dorson, head of the active investment team at Global X ETFs. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Now in its fourth year, Bleak Week is expanding across the country — and, via the Prince Charles Cinema, across the pond to London — to hold screenings at 11 venues in eight cities.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 May 2025
  • Its first outpost opened in Jackson Hole in 2017, but the brand just expanded to Sedona, Arizona, to debut its second location.
    Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • These areas will all grow and evolve as more developers get the hardware to build and fine-tune these models locally.
    Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
  • Hundreds of millions of years later, our teeth — which evolved from that armor — have inherited that same ability to sense things like pain and temperature.
    Ari Daniel, NPR, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • At the attached teahouse, enjoy the infinitely blooming flowers projected into your cup. Art and Museums in New York City A guide to the shows, exhibitions and artists shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
    Lisa Lucas, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • The third boy, Ian Berg, remained pinned in the driver’s seat, a bruise blooming on the right side of his forehead.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • What To Know Fieri appeared on Friday's episode of The Joe Rogan Experience and shared his thoughts on the interview via X, formerly Twitter.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • The convex & concave mirrors forming the book jacket exaggerate expressions, making others appear stretched, squished, & altered, mirroring the elasticity of the poems themselves.
    Terrance Hayes, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Getting that confirmation extends Joel and Ellie’s conversation from a roughly four-and-a-half-minute cutscene to almost an eight-minute scene in the HBO series.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • Often complete with a heel that signified status, the riding-style leather boots could be extended fully, reaching the upper thighs, or folded down into cuffs.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • An Army investigation found four horses had died in a year, the Army’s herd had grown old and their training and facilities were outdated.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Long Ireland Beer Company recently raised its prices for the first time in years to keep up, said Malone, who added that the company is searching for lower-cost aluminum suppliers and seeking new ways to grow profits to stay afloat.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Another bonus of harvesting smaller fruit is that your plant will keep flowering and fruiting throughout the summer.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
  • The best way to encourage months of flowering on French (bigleaf) and oakleaf hydrangeas is by pruning as little as possible.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • In fact, a recent study from Deloitte actually showed that around 25% of currently existing Bitcoins—a figure that amounts to roughly $40 billion—are currently vulnerable to quantum attacks.
    Amit Sinha, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Someone whose results show elevated levels may need a biopsy to rule out cancer.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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