Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

unfold

[uhn-fohld] / ʌnˈfoʊld /
VERB
spread out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
spread stretch out unfurl unravel
STRONG
disentangle display expand extend fan flatten loosen open release straighten unbend uncoil uncurl undo unroll untwist unwind unwrap
WEAK
fan out outspread outstretch reel out shake out uncrease
Antonyms
STRONG
abridge close contract cover hide hold keep lessen lower maintain shorten shrink twist wind
WEAK
block check conceal fold stagnate stop withhold wrap
VERB
make known
Synonyms
STRONGEST
illustrate resolve reveal solve unravel
STRONG
announce clarify decipher describe disclose discover display divulge elucidate explain explicate expose present publish show uncover
WEAK
clear up dope out figure out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hide question wonder
STRONG
be vague complicate conceal confuse cover mix up mystify obscure refrain secrete suppress withhold
WEAK
block check fold stagnate stop wrap
VERB
develop
Synonyms
STRONGEST
demonstrate evolve grow
STRONG
elaborate evidence evince expand manifest mature
WEAK
bear fruit
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decrease halt stop
WEAK
block check conceal fold hide stagnate withhold wrap

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They are interested in and worry about their progeny, but are just as, if not more, concerned with their own problems and lives, which are continuing to unfold in very real, complicated and interesting ways.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

These processes unfold in incredibly short times, often within hundreds of femtoseconds, and have traditionally been difficult to study.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

The set design of how things unfold for each of us varies, but loss is loss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Mamdani’s rise to the mayor’s office has drawn significant attention beyond New York, with national Democrats closely watching how his leadership and policy priorities unfold.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

I also do it because Christoffel won't dare unfold this letter to read it—he'd never be able to refold it into this shape.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing unfold

"Play Ball!"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!