Synonyms

unroll

American

[uhn-rohl] / ʌnˈroʊl /

verb (used with object)

to open or spread out (something rolled or coiled).

to unroll a bolt of fabric.
to lay open; display; reveal.
Obsolete. to strike from a roll or register.

verb (used without object)

to become unrolled or spread out.

The scrolls unroll easily.
to become continuously visible or apparent.

The landscape unrolled before our eyes.

unroll British

/ ʌnˈrəʊl /

verb

to open out or unwind (something rolled, folded, or coiled) or (of something rolled, etc) to become opened out or unwound
to make or become visible or apparent, esp gradually; unfold

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of unroll

First recorded in 1375–1425, unroll is from the late Middle English word unrollen. See un- ², roll

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.

The intertwining plots unroll in a mishmash of styles.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

Can you unroll the extent of the processes that have happened here and why this has been going on for over two decades?

From Slate • Oct. 16, 2024

Some people even unroll tin cans into strips to form parts of their walls.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024

Dr. Seales released his images, and the computer code he used to unroll the scrolls.

From NewsForKids.net • Oct. 25, 2023

The airlock attachment point has a flap I can unroll and seal the opening with.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023