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 The dispute unfolds as Russia intensifies attacks across Ukraine and as Kyiv presses Western allies for more interceptors, while new diplomatic efforts seek to end the war. — Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 In his cakes, as in so much of his work, grand political events unfold on an intimate, human scale. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 The Democratic Party’s response to this potential opening may unfold over several election cycles. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 Written by John Hughes, this tale about best pals Andie (Molly Ringwald) and Duckie (Jon Cryer) unfolds to a banging soundtrack and boasts a handful of scenes that remain generational signatures. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfold

Verb

An interceptor that can engage targets at greater distances could expand the area protected by existing air defense units.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Founded by three childhood friends, Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros, and Romée de Gorianoff, who were later joined by Xavier Padovani, the Experimental Group gradually expanded to encompass wine bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

The plague bacterium appears to have emerged as a human pathogen more than 5,700 years ago, evolving from a soil bacterium called Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, says Hendrick Poinar, a biologist at McMaster University, who works with ancient DNA.

— Faye Flam, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026
These trends have evolved into a more evergreen aesthetic in 2026.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of evolve

Verb

Shifts among Latino voters, who represent sizable portions of the electorate in both states, and Trump’s sagging approval rating appear to be driving Democrats’ strength in redder areas.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
His death appeared to be the first fatality involving a horse carriage in Central Park since the rides began.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of appear

Verb

Allen drained it to extend Charlotte’s lead to 20, and then found Dennis Schröder for a high-five as Miami called a timeout.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
L3Harris is pursuing an air-breathing ramjet design intended to improve fuel efficiency and extend engagement distances.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

The bank also expects revenue to grow annually through 2028, targeting 5% growth that year compared with 2027, excluding notable items and on a constant currency basis.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
The vote, which had been scheduled for last week, was delayed after two days of deliberations because of growing wariness among Egyptians concerned about an intervention in Yemen's long-running conflict.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

There’s joy, there’s music, there’s magically regenerating food, trees that flower and fruit at the same time, piles of treasure, crystals that rain from the sky, everlasting happiness and health.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
The designs feature symbols familiar to Marylanders and racing fans, including the state's iconic flag, Pimlico's weathervane and cupola, and the black-eyed Susan flower.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of flower

Verb

His friendly, supportive presence showed how the rival nations (in the far-off future in which the show was set) were capable of working together.

— JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Vucic’s ousting shows the downside of that approach, as the whole relationship will have to be rebuilt from the ground up.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of show

Browse Nearby Words

unfocused

unfold

unfolded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfold. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unfold

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes