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
-
In practice, that means the Commission is wary of big mergers, unless they are paired with social taxes — protecting jobs, expanding network coverage in poorer areas and ensuring the Black majority benefits.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
20 Mar. 2026
-
OpenAI has spent the last few years expanding its tools into standalone products.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
20 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
-
And yes, despite his agent saying Crosby is progressing in his rehab from knee surgery, his long-term health is a question mark.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The Kings said Murray is progressing in his recovery after missing the past seven games with a left ankle sprain, but he has not been cleared to return.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
14 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
-
Yeah, neurodivergence is continually being misunderstood and judged on the outside without ever showing anything on the inside.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Slopes that were once blanketed in deep snow are now showing large patches of bare ground, with only limited terrain still skiable.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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