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 outfit is featured in the scene where Cher gets mugged alone in Los Angeles at night, with the character name-dropping the designer as the incident unfolds.
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Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Created and written by Delaporte, de La Patellière and Sylvain Caron, the six-part series unfolds after an elusive killer disappears in the wake of a string of murders.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
As reported, last May N4XT outlined a strategic plan to reimagine New York Fashion Week that unfolds in multiple phases.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 12 Jan. 2026
Understanding your risk, knowing your options and acting early can make a meaningful difference in how the situation unfolds.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
The documentary unfolds in real time just days after the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 2023 when an Israeli American woman, Liat Beinin Atzili, was seized at a kibbutz and spirited off to Gaza.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
As evening unfolds, the pull between needs and rules softens.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
As this event unfolds, its historic potential hangs heavy in the air.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Much of this lovely, cerebral film unfolds in a cozy Manhattan high-rise, a Christmas tree twinkling in the background as snow falls outside.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolds
Verb
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The discussion comes as driverless robotaxi testing and deployment expands rapidly nationwide, with Austin as a major launching pad.—
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Cotie McMahon expands her range As her former program finds its footing without her, Cotie McMahon is showing a different part of her game than existed at Ohio State.—
Verb
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Advocates push for broader action As the situation evolves, advocacy groups and relatives continue pressing for wider releases and clear timelines, hoping the diplomatic moment leads to freedom for hundreds still detained.—
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Members of the program will see this new palette reflected in the Kith app, as Molecule evolves into Paragon, Elevation into Quartz, and Vitality into Voyage.—
Verb
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The 25-year-old Chiefs receiver appears in a separate photo posted to the same Instagram account.—
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With a high-stakes battle for the 2026 midterms looming, the Evergreen State appears poised to join the trend of states using congressional redistricting for partisan advantage.—
Verb
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Unlike flip-style Razr models, this device opens outward into a tablet-like form factor built for productivity and immersive media.—
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Season 10 opens in the shadow of a devastating explosion, with the women left to pick up the pieces.—
Verb
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As the film progresses, Grace slowly falls deeper into depression and isolation.—
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These machines can excavate the ground while supporting the ground above as the tunnel progresses.—
Verb
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The plant typically blooms in early January and can grow up to 15 feet tall in zones 6-10.—
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To shield the latter from the street outside, flowers and other foliage were planted to create a small forestlike privacy garden that blooms in the spring and summer.—
Verb
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Data from Life360 — an app that provides real time GPS tracking — shows Pittman traveled from his home in Madison County, then stopped at a gas station in Ridgeland before proceeding to the synagogue, according to the complaint.—
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Image released by the DOJ shows the damage to the border patrol vehicle.—
Verb
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Hardware proven beyond Earth That validation already extends into space.—
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But for his dad and mom, the pride in Carson extends far beyond statistics and endorsements.—
Cite this Entry
“Unfolds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolds. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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