unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak How to pronounce unpack (audio)
unpacked; unpacking; unpacks
Synonyms of unpacknext

transitive verb

1
a
: to remove the contents of
unpack a suitcase
b
: unburden, reveal
… must … unpack my heart with words …—William Shakespeare
2
: to remove or undo from packing or a container
unpacked his gear
3
: to analyze the nature of by examining in detail : explicate
unpack a concept
4
: decompress sense 2
unpack a compressed file

intransitive verb

: to engage in unpacking a container
unpacker noun

Synonyms of unpack

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Examples of unpack in a Sentence

It's been a year since I moved here and I still haven't unpacked all of my books. I unpacked my suitcase as soon as I arrived home. By the time we got to the hotel, I was too tired to unpack. She's good at unpacking complex concepts.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There are also many active travelers who relish packing and unpacking just once. — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 And the recognition that is born from taking the time to share and unpack and just see each other in your grief is the thing that actually transforms and transmutes. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2026 With just three races to go before the summer shutdown, there’s plenty to unpack after a busy weekend on and off the track in the Styrian mountains. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Orkin recommends inspecting hotel rooms before unpacking by checking mattresses and furniture for live bugs, shed skins, tiny eggs or dark, ink-like stains. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpack

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpack was in the 15th century

Rhymes for unpack

See All Rhymes for unpack

Browse Nearby Words

unpacific
unpack
unpadded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpack. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unpack

verb
un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak How to pronounce unpack (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to separate and remove things packed
got home and unpacked
2
: to open and remove the contents of
unpack a trunk

More from Merriam-Webster on unpack

Nglish: Translation of unpack for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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