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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 the transition unfolds, the debate over NASA's future funding and contracting policies is likely to intensify—especially as Musk's influence over the agency grows. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 The attack, which unfolded over two days, was launched weeks after the RSF began targeting the camp with long-range artillery in early December, according to a Yale HRL report. Avery Schmitz, Aleena Fayaz and Kaila Nichols, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025 This is what happened in Utah and is currently unfolding in Montana as the state’s lawmakers consider bills to dramatically change how people hunt wolves. Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025 The controversy continues to unfold, with both legal and public relations implications for both the Saints and the Catholic Church in New Orleans. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unfold 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Immigrant advocates have pushed to shore up those protections with a federal bill that would expand visa eligibility for workers cooperating with regulators to expose labor violations, so far without success.
    Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Look, $100 million on initiatives like expanding atheism in Nepal.
    Linda Qiu, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • And then steadily over time recruit and develop more technical players and evolve into a 3-2-4-1 with high possession and press.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, with Mac malware shifting from simple adware to advanced information stealers.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • That 24-hour meet up quickly bloomed into a relationship and now Zach and Elise try to see each other at least once a month.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Pushing him in his stroller down Main Street, under the blooming olive trees, the new parents felt calm.
    Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • View Comments Some Google users have also begun noticing changes on Google Calendar that some say appear to deemphasize diversity.
    Josh Campbell, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Byrant and Mace appear to own a property in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, together, according to documents reviewed by Newsweek.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The new Vice President, who has a broad base of support among venture capitalists, also made clear that his political support for big tech companies did not extend to regulations that would raise barriers for new startups, thus hindering the development of innovative AI technologies.
    Billy Perrigo/Paris, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025
  • But these townships extend beyond downtown and include more than just the office market.
    Fritz Kaegi, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • From 2007 to 2017, U.S. exports to USAID partner countries grew three times as fast as exports elsewhere (though DOGE removed the report sharing that data from the web too).
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Football had changed since his debut, where athleticism and high pressing were now cornerstones of an attacker’s role and growing muscular problems hampered his ability to adapt.
    Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • While flowering, the amaryllis will produce two to six leaves, which photosynthesize and store food in the bulb for future growth.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Generally, plants use violet and blue light waves for more vegetative growth, while red lights are used for more reproductive growth plus flowering and fruiting.
    Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the fashion crowd showed up and showed out, serving looks that were absolutely worth getting cold for.
    Stixx Mathews, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Artist manager and show director, Paulette Varelas, joins Lisanti to manage Seven Lions.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near unfold

Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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