1
as in expands
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
2
as in evolves
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
4
as in appears
to come into view
the majestic landscape unfolded before us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfolds
The race unfolds as the district confronts a superintendent under FBI investigation, declining enrollment, a potential strike and ongoing academic recovery from the pandemic.
—
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Streep’s second go-round, by contrast, unfolds as a series of micro-indignities—a plunge from her Olympian perch, one stumble at a time.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
The film unfolds in Kathmandu, where a mother races to shield her nine-year-old daughter from a sudden and troubling change – a journey that forces both characters to reckon with trauma and with a legal system ill-equipped to deliver justice.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
The property unfolds behind a discreet gate without any obvious signage.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
But that is not how this transition unfolds.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
They might be deceived by other teams, undermined by their owner or surprised by the way the draft unfolds.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
The action follows an executive order issued last year directing federal agencies to begin the reclassification process, which typically unfolds over several years and involves scientific review, interagency coordination and rulemaking procedures.
—Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is speaking out as a wide-ranging review of the football program unfolds after Sherrone Moore's dismissal.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Streep’s second go-round, by contrast, unfolds as a series of micro-indignities—a plunge from her Olympian perch, one stumble at a time.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
The film unfolds in Kathmandu, where a mother races to shield her nine-year-old daughter from a sudden and troubling change – a journey that forces both characters to reckon with trauma and with a legal system ill-equipped to deliver justice.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
The property unfolds behind a discreet gate without any obvious signage.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
But that is not how this transition unfolds.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
They might be deceived by other teams, undermined by their owner or surprised by the way the draft unfolds.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
The action follows an executive order issued last year directing federal agencies to begin the reclassification process, which typically unfolds over several years and involves scientific review, interagency coordination and rulemaking procedures.
—Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is speaking out as a wide-ranging review of the football program unfolds after Sherrone Moore's dismissal.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolds
Verb
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Here, the traditional expectations of a five-star stay are softened into something more personal—where time expands, space breathes, and every detail is designed to feel intuitive rather than imposed.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
-
On top of bringing hundreds of new jobs to the Marion County community, Equestrian Manor expands the options for events — with spaces available for weddings, meetings and other gatherings.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Romantically, a casual conversation could reveal undeniable chemistry, or maybe a connection with a friend evolves into something deeper.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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The ground stop, tied to thunderstorms in the area, was scheduled to remain in effect through late morning, with a medium chance it could be extended depending on how the weather evolves.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This plant flowers year-round and, like all abutilon cultivars, is not water needy.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Named for his grandfather, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro has for more than a decade acted as part bodyguard, part gatekeeper to Cuba’s most powerful living figure, always just feet away when Raúl Castro appears in public.—
Patrick Oppmann,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
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Another trend that Lu pinpointed was that the brand appears to maintain long-term relationships with suppliers; of the 800 apparel factories its uses, 314 (almost 40 percent) have worked with the company for over a decade, and 126 have produced garments for H&M for 6-10 yerars.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At Vato, in Park Slope—which, blessedly, opens at seven in the morning—the tortillas are thin and rich, with chewy interiors and a flaky, blistered outside from the heat of the flattop.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
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Policy shift opens unexpected door In January 2026, the administration changed its policy for R‑1 visa holders.—
Ken Molestina,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Travel is highly favored as the month progresses, and the social atmosphere is alive with meaningful connections waiting to be made.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
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As the virus progresses, dogs may suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The longaniza breakfast taco lands hot in my hands, the tortilla still steaming, folded around spicy sausage and eggs with a tomato-rich salsa that blooms slowly with heat.—
Carrie Honaker,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
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Every seasoned gardener knows the particular satisfaction of coaxing beauty from unlikely places — a stubborn perennial that finally blooms, a shaded corner that transforms with the right groundcover.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The information appears next to an April 26 Navy photo that shows Boxer transiting the Surigao Straight, roughly 4,000 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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From all-world jazz guitarist Pat Metheny to super soprano Renee Fleming to the wonderful Smuin Ballet, there are a lot of great concerts and shows to catch this weekend and beyond.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolds. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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