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 Evolution often unfolds in strange ways on islands, and, in the case of the elephants, Stegodon evolved to be much smaller. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025 How the case unfolded Prosecutors in Mexico allege in a March 15 statement that in 2022, the Akeos canceled 13 credit card payments to a hotel chain totaling more than $116,500. Polo Sandoval, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025 This newsroom-wide project brings fast facts as stories unfold — making sure our local officials and institutions are telling the truth, serving our communities well and following through on their promises. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025 Kilmer somehow makes power, frailty, and deterioration coexist as Tombstone unfolds. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • In this slice-of-life portrait, Chen shows how childhood experiences can shape someone, illustrating how a childhood passion might expand their horizons without necessarily becoming a lifelong vocation.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Under his stewardship, Le Bon Marché underwent a significant renovation, expanding its floor area by 43,000 square feet.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Begun as a lecture for visitors, the film evolved into a slideshow and now to a film presented in a small theater at Shields Date Garden.
    Pat Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Like many cities across the country, downtown Baltimore is evolving.
    Shelonda Stokes, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Optimism bloomed in the media business after Donald Trump was elected last November.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Suddenly, everyone’s wardrobe is far more cheerful, nature is blooming in every corner, and our favorite brands begin unveiling fresh colorways inspired by the season’s change.
    Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Holland and Sasser will be suspended for one game, and Stewart will be suspended for two games. Oklahoma City aims to extend its 10-game winning streak as the Thunder face off against the Detroit Pistons.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The final minutes of the horror movie show her being engulfed in darkness until a match is struck, revealing a candle with someone’s hand extended over the flame.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As this reality sets in, there is a growing opening for fintech startups to bridge the gap.
    Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Taissa's growing desperation reveals hidden aspects of herself.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 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
  • In February 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that food prices were up 3.2% year-over-year, with food away from home rising 4.5%—a clear indicator that even fast food is being reconsidered as an occasional indulgence.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • For the rest of the short teaser, Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) are shown walking around the grounds of the estate, touching bannisters and stone pillars with an air of finality.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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