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

Examples 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 How did all of the events in our life unfold to put us here at the inauguration of our president? Janelle Ash, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025 Then management failure for the intensity of the workload and intensity remaining the same despite the unfolding crisis. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 A lot still has to unfold for the Bears in the months ahead — in roster building, in quarterback development — for Johnson to get the offense humming. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 In 1898, a birthright citizenship case unfolded in the U.S. Supreme Court. Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unfold 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold
Verb
  • Since then, his portfolio of restaurants has expanded across the Charlotte metro area.
    Laura Barrero, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Taylor Swift is taking her billionaire status to new heights — literally and figuratively — by expanding her $17.75 million Rhode Island estate.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • When Tucson Dragway closed its doors, Reinhart's part-time announcing duties at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix evolved into a full-time role, thanks to an offer from track manager Joe Thaden.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Today: What pandas can tell us about politics Scholars have noted that China's panda strategy has evolved over the decades from strategic gift-giving to a financial transaction to, as of recent years, a symbol of trade relationships.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Production in those countries is blooming right now.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Anyone can enter camellia blooms for the show or browse from the plant sale.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This sketch first appeared in season 49 and is still a crowd-pleaser.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Trump's decision to exit Afghanistan was finalized in February 2020 as ISIS' global power appeared to be waning.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Attempts to make up for this by extending the cooking time may lead to overcooked or dried-out food.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The urban core, Howard explained, extends from Independence Avenue down to 63rd Street, and from Interstate 435 to Troost Avenue.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After delivering the iconic line, Montgomery’s confidence in the role grew.
    Rachel Flynn, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Theater exclusive at $62 million, the total will grow.
    Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Excess water on leaves causes powdery mildew. Deadheading, or pinching off the dead flower heads, encourages more blooms, extends the flowering season and improves the plants’ appearance.
    Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
  • How does a pomegranate cocktail sound, infused with extracts of the flowering Rhodiola plant?
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Images from the scene show Lancaster Township Fire Department surrounding the two-story house as smoke billows from the roof, firefighters swarming the inside and outside of the structure.
    Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Biden showed the note to some members of his staff after his inauguration in 2021 but didn’t let anyone read it.
    Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near unfold

Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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