unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l How to pronounce unfurl (audio)
unfurled; unfurling; unfurls
Synonyms of unfurl

transitive verb

: to release from a furled state
unfurled the sails

intransitive verb

: to open out from or as if from a furled state : unfold
The flowers are starting to unfurl.

Synonyms of unfurl

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Examples of unfurl in a Sentence

after the protestors had unfurled their banner, it stretched from one side of the visitors' gallery to the other
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Women — and a growing number of men — unfurl them on public transport, at concerts and at music festivals. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Separating from its rocket about 30 minutes after launch, Roman successfully deployed its power-providing solar panels and spacecraft-cooling sunshield and will soon unfurl its high-gain antenna for broadband communications with Earth. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026 The school had been roiled by protests, so when students unfurled a banner Warren’s supporters feared the worst. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 This fall is a banger season for Fernandes, with eight projects unfurling across North America, including his participation in the Toronto Biennial of Art. — Web Behrens, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfurl

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfurl was in 1641

Rhymes for unfurl

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Browse Nearby Words

unfunny
unfurl
unfurnish
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Cite this Entry

“Unfurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfurl. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfurl

verb
un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l How to pronounce unfurl (audio)
: to loose from a furled state : open or spread : unfold
unfurl sails
unfurl a flag
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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