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
Much of the excitement is unfolding along the Nile.
—
Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
However, a new CNBC poll shows some CEOs and executives have kept quiet about the events unfolding in Minneapolis, reflecting that many leaders across the country are still considering the situation — and the risks of making public comments.
—Sharon Epperson,stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Set across 6,000 square meters in the very heart of the capital, Club Metrópolis brings together a 19-room boutique hotel, a private members’ club, and an ambitious culinary project unfolding across seven distinct dining venues.
—María Casbas, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Jan. 2026
Soul Mate is a tender romance between two young men unfolding over the course of 10 years.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
Perhaps, as Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski suggested, the Timberwolves’ blowout win — one night after Golden State won by 26 points — offered a brief release for a fanbase grappling with the reality unfolding outside the arena.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Honestly look at what has been unfolding over the past year.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
Its almond-and-vanilla base has just a hint of smoky sweetness, unfolding into a spicier scent that gives it a slightly intense fragrance.
—Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
In Germany, photographer Sascha Schuermann captured a dramatic scene unfolding in the skies above North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
However, a new CNBC poll shows some CEOs and executives have kept quiet about the events unfolding in Minneapolis, reflecting that many leaders across the country are still considering the situation — and the risks of making public comments.
—Sharon Epperson,stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Set across 6,000 square meters in the very heart of the capital, Club Metrópolis brings together a 19-room boutique hotel, a private members’ club, and an ambitious culinary project unfolding across seven distinct dining venues.
—María Casbas, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Jan. 2026
Soul Mate is a tender romance between two young men unfolding over the course of 10 years.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
Perhaps, as Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski suggested, the Timberwolves’ blowout win — one night after Golden State won by 26 points — offered a brief release for a fanbase grappling with the reality unfolding outside the arena.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Honestly look at what has been unfolding over the past year.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
Its almond-and-vanilla base has just a hint of smoky sweetness, unfolding into a spicier scent that gives it a slightly intense fragrance.
—Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
In Germany, photographer Sascha Schuermann captured a dramatic scene unfolding in the skies above North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
Camp Lucy, a Texas Wine Country resort, is also expanding with the debut of Folklore, a new spa experience blending wellness, color therapy and social connection.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Levine Cava also pointed to Miami-Dade's expanding economy, fueled in part by major international events such as Formula One races at Hard Rock Stadium and upcoming FIFA World Cup matches.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
There's some, but not overwhelming, evidence that dark energy is evolving.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Beyond archaeology, Egypt’s travel landscape is rapidly evolving.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Like any other bulb, the amaryllis needs its foliage to build its energy reserves for the next blooming period, says gardening expert Kelly Funk.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
-
This year's gold medalists include an innovative little squash and a big-blooming dianthus.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
One such winner is Steve Kovacs, who took first place in the Blackwater category, as well as the coveted best-in-show prize, for his whimsical image of a monkfish in Japan appearing to yawn.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Yankovic was previously a regular at Starlight, appearing there seven times between 2000 and 2025.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Or another extreme swing of the pendulum, guided by the ultrawealthy closing and opening their wallets?—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Cooking down the chicory to the point of jamminess is an eye-opening approach that reveals a world of options beyond salad.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Jake Burton and his company have played a major role in progressing the sport and bringing it from the fringe to the mainstream.—
Nathan Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Aston Villa and Lille secured automatic qualification with wins against Celtic and Feyenoord, progressing to the last 16 at the expense of Atalanta, who drew 2-2 in Barcelona, and Milan, who lost 2-1 away at Dinamo Zagreb (who were the unlucky team eliminated with 11 points).—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The most common reason African violets stop flowering is inadequate lighting.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Brown or yellow dry stems simply indicate that the flowering period on those stems is over.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Among the documents released Friday were emails dated from 2012 to 2013, showing Musk's name but with his email address redacted.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Multiple videos that emerged of the shooting contradicted that claim, showing the intensive care nurse had only his mobile phone in his hand as officers tackled him to the ground, with one removing a handgun from the back of Pretti’s pants as another officer began firing shots into his back.—
Michael Biesecker,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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