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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
3
as in blooming
to produce flowers
the rosebud unfolded literally overnight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in appearing
to come into view
the majestic landscape unfolded before us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfolding
Created by Santino and Nick Kreiss (Punk’d, The Eric André Show), The Bad Game Show drops celebrities into a chaotic mix of trivia and absurd challenges, where surprise guests crash the game and nothing goes as planned, all unfolding inside Lee’s mom’s basement.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Voice messages announcing deaths are layered over static shots of an empty home, echoing her own experience of events unfolding.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
That shouldn’t take away from the transformation story that’s unfolding.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
For Lacayo, that reality is still unfolding.
—Alyssa Ferro-Lloret, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Already McCue has observed an agave, a rosette shape succulent, folding and unfolding its leaves over the course of days.
—Alina Hartounian, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
The brand will unveil a collaborative project with designer Jean-Guillaume Mathiaut, unfolding as a limited edition of sculptural seats.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
The investigation has been unfolding for months in Florida, with investigators having lined up interviews and issued subpoenas for records.
—Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The modern-day group had a fascinating unfolding dynamic between its three silverbacks—Gicurasi, Ubwuzu, and Imfura—along with strong female characters and plenty of playful infants.
—Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Voice messages announcing deaths are layered over static shots of an empty home, echoing her own experience of events unfolding.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
That shouldn’t take away from the transformation story that’s unfolding.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
For Lacayo, that reality is still unfolding.
—Alyssa Ferro-Lloret, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Already McCue has observed an agave, a rosette shape succulent, folding and unfolding its leaves over the course of days.
—Alina Hartounian, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
The brand will unveil a collaborative project with designer Jean-Guillaume Mathiaut, unfolding as a limited edition of sculptural seats.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
The investigation has been unfolding for months in Florida, with investigators having lined up interviews and issued subpoenas for records.
—Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The modern-day group had a fascinating unfolding dynamic between its three silverbacks—Gicurasi, Ubwuzu, and Imfura—along with strong female characters and plenty of playful infants.
—Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
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From global dishes to comfort food classics, many supermarkets now offer — and are expanding — buffet-style prepared foods that rival takeout in both variety and convenience.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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While the business itself operates within the expanding private credit market, an asset class that has drawn significant institutional capital in recent years, the partnership behind it remains its most distinctive feature.—
NIa Bowers,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tan said banks are now operating in an environment where cyber risks are constant and evolving, requiring a mindset of perpetual vigilance.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
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This means fashion brands wanting to remain relevant must tap into the evolving desires, behaviors and concerns of a consumer who’s also navigating the AI shift themselves.—
Amy O’Brien,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In Arizona, cacti are blooming months early and the worry about water has already started, said Kathy Jacobs, director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at the University of Arizona.—
Seth Borenstein,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
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Early blooming means more trees have budded out.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While appearing on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live alongside The Devil Wears Prada 2 costars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, the Oscar-winning actress, 76, opened up about a potential future collaboration with her Only Murders in the Building costar Martin Short.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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Irving’s Astoria became an international hit, with editions appearing in Britain and Germany and France.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After some spring training struggles, a season-opening assignment to Triple-A and a pair of forgettable starts, the pitcher is happy to have a scoreless start under his belt.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
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TokyoReuters — Japan on Tuesday unveiled its biggest overhaul of defense export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Productivity actions are progressing well and mgmt.—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
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Collier, who had surgery on her left ankle on March 24, is progressing through rehab as expected, the Lynx announced Monday.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The two-panel composition, installed in 1899 at the Second Congregational Church in Winsted, shows a lush landscape at sunset, with a cascading waterfall in the foreground, and flowering lilies and irises set against distant mountains.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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Ever Sapphire™ Agapanthus begins blooming in late spring—much earlier than traditional varieties—and continues flowering throughout summer.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The team wanted to keep Phillips and even engaged in conversations with Trey Hendrickson, showing the desire for a high-level edge rusher to join Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith in the top three.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Cops also felt hot on the trail after a driver shared footage showing Neukgu trotting alongside a mountain road.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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