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 McFarland is the founder of the original 2017 Fyre Festival that gained popularity after it was heavily promoted on social media by influencers and celebrities before disastrously unfolding with shoddy lodging, disorganization and infamous cheese sandwiches. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025 The pairs on the crater rim then hoist their companions back up, unfolding the mesh and lofting the receiver above the dish. ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025 As the mystery unfolds, Lejla is forced to confront her past and question whether the girl's disappearance is a coincidence, or connected to something much darker. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 But there’s little confusion in how Nurkic wants things to unfold over the coming weeks. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Now that the charter will expand the incoming council to nine members, if the bill is adopted, changing the line would require six council member votes.
    Luke Parker, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The brand has also been expanding its handbags offer, and the executive said that the Avenue, Everywhere and Boulevard bags have been very successful.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In recent decades, luxury has evolved from a surface transactional experience to one focused on longevity, wellness and intense experiences.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Wikipedia Modern Celebrations Today, April 20th has evolved into an international counterculture holiday, where individuals gather to celebrate and advocate for cannabis legalization.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But remember, don't spray when the trees are blooming because neem oil is toxic to bees.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Walking through the rows of blooming tulips on this 300-acre farm is like being enveloped in a kaleidoscope of spring colors.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • After the risk assessment, the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13, Newsom said.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ray and his friend were sentenced to 10 days of pre-trial detention, which was previously extended to April 24.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In rare cases, legislative changes could extend the window.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After even a short amount of time, a home with high humidity will begin to smell musty and grow mold.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Jared Silva, a policy analyst with the Division of Marine Fisheries, called out this trend directly, saying there’s a growing group of anglers chasing viral fame instead of respecting the rules.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Since the early 1900s, the flowering vines have hung above the museum’s courtyard for about three weeks at the start of spring.
    Boston Herald staff, Boston Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
  • On March 20, the actress shared a carousel of photos on Instagram celebrating the flowering season’s arrival.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Monday's filing showed the investigations began April 1 and the tariffs would be imposed under the authority of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which grants the president such power to protect national security.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • First, the report represents billions of dollars in AI funding in dots, and shows visually how the field exploded in the last 10 years.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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