Unfold — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˌən-ˈfōld/ un·fold

Meaning & Definition of Unfold

Unfold (verb)

  1. to open the folds of, spread or straighten out, expand
  2. to remove (something, such as a package) from the folds, unwrap
  3. to open to the view, reveal; especially, to make clear by gradual disclosure and often by recital

Unfold (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area

    "carefully unfold that antique map so that it doesn't tear"

    similar: expand, extend, fan (out), flare (out), open, outspread, outstretch, spread (out), stretch (out), unfurl
    related: overspread
    opposite: close, contract, fold
    near: compact, compress, condense, reduce

  2. 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"

    similar: develop, elaborate, evolve
    related: advance, fare, forge, get along, get on, march, proceed, progress, blossom, grow, mature, ripen, materialize, emerge, play out

  3. to produce flowers

    "the rosebud unfolded literally overnight"

    similar: bloom, blossom, blow, burgeon, effloresce, flower
    related: leaf, leave, bud, open
    near: dry up, fade, shrivel, wilt, wither, die, drop, expire, perish

  4. to come into view

    "the majestic landscape unfolded before us"

    similar: appear, come out, materialize, show, show up, turn up
    related: reappear, resurface, bulk, loom, arrive, come, dawn, debut, arise, blossom, bob (up), break, break out, crop (up), emerge, erupt, issue, outcrop, rise, shoot (up), spring (up), surface, happen, occur, rematerialize
    opposite: clear, disappear, dissolve, evanesce, evaporate, fade, go (away), melt (away), vanish
    near: depart, leave, retire, withdraw

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Unfold

The most common words with a similar meaning to Unfold:

expand, extend, fan (out), flare (out), open, outspread, outstretch, spread (out), stretch (out), unfurl, develop, elaborate, evolve, bloom, blossom, blow, burgeon, effloresce, flower, appear, come out, materialize, show, show up, turn up

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Unfold

Words with the opposite meaning of Unfold:

close, contract, fold, clear, disappear, dissolve, evanesce, evaporate, fade, go (away), melt (away), vanish

Related Words for Unfold

overspread, advance, fare, forge, get along, get on, march, proceed, progress, grow, mature, ripen, emerge, play out, leaf, leave, bud, reappear, resurface, bulk, loom, arrive, come, dawn, debut, arise, bob (up), break, break out, crop (up)

Near Antonyms of Unfold

compact, compress, condense, reduce, dry up, shrivel, wilt, wither, die, drop, expire, perish, depart, leave, retire, withdraw

Word Forms of Unfold

Inflections: unfolded, unfolding, unfolds

Derived words: unfoldment (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Unfold

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Unfold

Frequently Asked Questions about Unfold

What does "Unfold" mean?

"Unfold" means to open the folds of, spread or straighten out, expand. As a verb, it is defined as: to open the folds of, spread or straighten out, expand. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Unfold"?

Other words for "Unfold" include expand, extend, fan (out), flare (out), open, outspread, outstretch and spread (out). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Unfold" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Unfold"?

There are 65 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Unfold". Common alternatives include expand, extend, fan (out), flare (out), open, outspread, outstretch, spread (out), stretch (out) and unfurl.

What is the opposite of "Unfold"?

Antonyms of "Unfold" include close, contract, fold, clear, disappear, dissolve, evanesce and evaporate. Near antonyms include compact, compress, condense and reduce.

How do you use "Unfold" in a sentence?

Examples of "Unfold" in a sentence: "carefully unfold that antique map so that it doesn't tear"; "as the situation unfolded, it became clear that more help would be needed"; "the movie became more interesting once the mystery began to unfold".

Is "Unfold" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Unfold" is a verb.

Is "Unfold" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Unfold" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Unfold"?

"Unfold" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈfōld/ and divided into syllables as un·fold.