Synonyms of unfolding

unfolding

verb

present participle of unfold

1

as in expanding

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expanding
• opening
• extending
• unfurling
• spreading (out)
• stretching (out)
• flaring (out)
• fanning (out)
• outspreading
• outstretching
• overspreading

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closing
• folding
• contracting
• reducing
• condensing
• compressing
• compacting

2

as in evolving

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

• evolving
• progressing
• growing
• developing
• proceeding
• elaborating
• emerging
• blossoming
• maturing
• ripening
• marching
• forging
• getting along
• advancing
• getting on
• faring
• playing out
• materializing

3

as in blooming

to produce flowers

the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blooming
• flowering
• blossoming
• burgeoning
• blowing
• leaving
• efflorescing
• leafing
• budding
• opening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fading
• dying
• withering
• drying up
• dropping
• expiring
• wilting
• shriveling
• perishing

4

as in appearing

to come into view

the majestic landscape unfolded before us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appearing
• showing
• coming
• looming
• arriving
• rising
• happening
• materializing
• coming out
• emerging
• reappearing
• turning up
• showing up
• occurring
• erupting
• surfacing
• arising
• blossoming
• dawning
• resurfacing
• issuing
• bulking
• shooting (up)
• breaking out
• outcropping
• springing (up)
• breaking
• cropping (up)
• bobbing (up)
• debuting
• rematerializing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• going (away)
• vanishing
• disappearing
• dissolving
• evaporating
• fading
• melting (away)
• clearing
• leaving
• evanescing
• withdrawing
• departing
• retiring

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfolding

The training in Bolivia, unfolding while the world remains captivated by the final week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, covered everything from balance, coordination and movement on crutches to ball control, tactics and the rules of amputee soccer. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

If the ceremonies across India underscored CETA’s political and economic significance, the conversations unfolding at Bharat Tex demonstrated how quickly its commercial impact is already being felt. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 15 July 2026

This aspect is not only rare but also a slow build in terms of its influence, which means today’s revelations are tied to a bigger shift already unfolding in the background. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Unlike the outbreak unfolding in New York City, Legionnaires' cases in DC are typically isolated. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 14 July 2026

This could drive an unprecedented transformation of our economy, larger than the Industrial Revolution, but unfolding over a vastly shorter time frame. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Two futures of artificial intelligence are unfolding in South Florida. — Sayri Proano, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Advertisement But once game time kicked off, Wahl would have made a point of paying close attention to the action unfolding, to prepare his piece on the game. — Sean Gregory, Time, 10 July 2026

On the day of the party, my husband and I were up early, arranging tables and unfolding chairs. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026