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
The foundation said that besides Lee's 911 call, at least four other 911 calls were made by others that day, including from her husband and people who saw parts of the crime unfolding -- but that communication failures and other issues prevented help from being sent.
—
David Fischer The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
But the unfolding story also reveals a grown child from McGee's past that even the proud family man didn't know about.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
What is unfolding in Los Angeles is part of a deliberate, statewide political strategy by California’s teachers’ unions to use contract negotiations as leverage.
—Lance Christensen, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
German possibilities include Tony Vahl’s drama Crux, unfolding in a German village as social order collapses at the end of World War II; Valeska Grisebach’s The Dreamed Adventure; and Werner Herzog’s Bucking Fastards.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2026
Much of his story is still unfolding in real time.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
Placed in context, the moment reflected a broader shift unfolding across the industry.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
The dispute is unfolding on a campus that’s home to one of the largest Jewish student communities in the country.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The storms are also unfolding just as airport security screeners missed their first full paycheck over the weekend.
—Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
David Fischer The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
But the unfolding story also reveals a grown child from McGee's past that even the proud family man didn't know about.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
What is unfolding in Los Angeles is part of a deliberate, statewide political strategy by California’s teachers’ unions to use contract negotiations as leverage.
—Lance Christensen, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
German possibilities include Tony Vahl’s drama Crux, unfolding in a German village as social order collapses at the end of World War II; Valeska Grisebach’s The Dreamed Adventure; and Werner Herzog’s Bucking Fastards.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2026
Much of his story is still unfolding in real time.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
Placed in context, the moment reflected a broader shift unfolding across the industry.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
The dispute is unfolding on a campus that’s home to one of the largest Jewish student communities in the country.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The storms are also unfolding just as airport security screeners missed their first full paycheck over the weekend.
—Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
Kaplan has long focused on public safety, expanding amenities and making streets safer.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The interesting twist on Miami’s case is their test balloon is being floated as the powers-that-be debate expanding the NCAA Tournament field.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
See video … LISTEN Tune in as rising tensions with Iran spotlight growing threats from sleeper cells, lone actors, and evolving drone capabilities at home.—
,
FOXNews.com,
18 Mar. 2026
-
These fruits — simultaneous conference titles in basketball and football, plus multiple track and field championships — are born of yearslong efforts to bolster Kennesaw’s brand and compete in an ever-evolving era of college sports.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Galison Blooming Terrariums Magnetic Bookmark My teenage daughters love enhancing the aesthetic of their reading time with pretty bookmarks, and these magnetic options provide both a touch of blooming beauty and practicality with a magnetic feature.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Paris in the Spring, the title of Alexis Taylor’s latest solo album, isn’t just meant to cue up visions of blooming cherry trees in the Jardin des Plantes, or jambon-beurres enjoyed en plein air.—
Molly Mary O’Brien,
Pitchfork,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Lupe Castillo is the only Republican appearing on the ballot and will face Garcia in November.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
-
After appearing in Austin for a taping at ACL Live in 2025, a full festival set feels like a natural next step.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This is where the tax-free growth actually happens, so choosing and allocating investments is the step that makes the Roth worth opening.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
18 Mar. 2026
-
This is where the tax-free growth actually happens, so choosing and allocating investments is the step that makes the Roth worth opening.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Drafted at only 17, his career seemed to be progressing until 2022.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 2026
-
In recent months, Israel’s leadership has concluded that Hezbollah’s military rehabilitation is progressing faster than the IDF’s disruption efforts, according to two Israeli sources.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Head to higher elevations above 2,000 feet where there is more moisture to see slopes brightened with desert lily, sand verbena and flowering Orcutt’s woody aster.—
Jessie Schiewe,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Warm-Season Grasses These grasses are the opposite, growing in the spring after a dormant winter and flowering and setting seed in the fall just before winter returns.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But authorities ultimately found Chapman through phone records showing multiple calls between him and Jalloh in the week prior to the shooting, according to the affidavit.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Friday’s memo also reaffirms that Austin police will be expected to turn over body camera footage showing potential misconduct by federal agents to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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