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 blaze in Spokane County is unfolding during a wildfire year that so far has been historically destructive across the United States. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, geopolitical competition, changing workforce expectations, new models of learning, and evolving public expectations are no longer unfolding sequentially. — David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Critics of this investment proposal see a similar pattern unfolding this week. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

The drama is unfolding in the mountains of Big Bear Lake, just two hours east of Los Angeles. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 31 July 2026

There’s a great oil mystery unfolding right now in the global economy; solve a teeny-tiny one here in Atlantic Trivia. — Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

While this intricate relay plays out in orbit, multiple observations will also be unfolding on the ground. — Andrew Jones, Scientific American, 30 July 2026

At its best, this restraint dovetails with the story unfolding before us. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Their collaboration lasted eight years, unfolding at a breakneck pace. — Olivier Bouchara, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026