UNFOLD Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

unfold

verb

ˌən-ˈfōld

Definition of unfold

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to bloom

to produce flowers the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to appear

to come into view the majestic landscape unfolded before us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 For the first time since the brand’s relaunch, the campaign unfolds across iconic New York City locations, where the city’s energy, texture and light become an extension of the collection. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 For them, the discovery of the living world is still unfolding. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Dining unfolds in the former detention center, where the accused were held before trial—a grand building accessed via a zigzag of white pathways surrounded by flowers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 The stabbing unfolded next to a Times Square police station in one of New York’s busiest corridors, raising fresh questions about safety after another fatal stabbing there in May. — Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

The View From Beijing In a departure from business strategies of the past, this current cohort of Chinese companies has a mandate to expand internationally, according to academic Karim Alwadi, based in Beijing.

— Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Opened on New Year’s Day in 1926, the hotel was expanded by famed society architect Maurice Fatio, who managed to maintain intimacy despite imposing a larger footprint.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

Palal acknowledged that Davis’ accounts of the killing evolved over the years but argued those differences reflected Davis’ changing motivations and efforts to protect himself.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
The soft gray-white rattan complements the tailored beige high-density comfort cushions and creates an airy backdrop for your ever-evolving collection of seasonal all-weather pillows and throws.

— Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

Like other outdoor plants, coleus requires several hours of full, direct sun each day to grow properly, maintain its coloration, and eventually bloom.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Across the archipelago’s more than seven thousand islands, countless sovereign communities once bloomed with distinct languages and traditions, until Spain claimed them all under a single name.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of bloom

Verb

Matt Bevin has missed several court dates in the case and did not attend the May 29 hearing in person as required by the judge, appearing via Zoom instead.

— Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
Cell phone video later obtained by media outlets also appeared to conflict with Castro's description of the encounter.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

As the affiliate industry grows, particularly for fashion brands and beauty brands which increasingly route a growing share of sales through such links, the answer is getting harder to parse.

— Tom Matsuda, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
According to the memo, Google's electric demand is expected to grow faster than Entergy can add new electricity generation.

— Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

Autumn Joy Stonecrop Also called autumn joy sedum, this hardy, summer- and fall-flowering perennial is known for its succulent foliage and dense clusters of tiny pink flowers.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Plants have to be mature and about ready to flower when the central leaves turn varying shades of red.

— Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of flower

Verb

In the comments of an Instagram upload from Bustle, which also showed Stoermer’s Stories post, fans expressed their disappointment with Euphoria‘s conclusion in the comments.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
Judge Tony Graf found that state prosecutors had shown probable cause, allowing the case to advance to trial.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused

unfold

unfolded

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Style

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfold

verb

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