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 unfolding Jeffrey Epstein saga has galvanized the public for the breadth of its revelations into elite power, from the financial to the political, the cultural to the sociological.
—
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
The unfolding catastrophe has long been clear to the people who run Ukraine’s energy sector.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
That appears to be the case unfolding at Fort Lauderdale.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
The January crisis in Minneapolis, which was unfolding as this story went to print, made what happened in LA seem almost quaint.
—Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
The abduction of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father—both of whom have pending asylum claims—was unfolding in the driveway of the family’s home, on a street where Granlund often walks her dog.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
In the basement studio of the New Ballet in San Jose, a single figure crouched in a low lunge lifts his head, unfolding upwards like a flower turning toward a rising sun.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
These civil service reforms are also unfolding alongside aggressive efforts to shrink the federal workforce.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
While beauty trends are unfolding on the runway, they’re also being set by the glistening celebs on the front row.
—Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
The unfolding catastrophe has long been clear to the people who run Ukraine’s energy sector.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
That appears to be the case unfolding at Fort Lauderdale.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
The January crisis in Minneapolis, which was unfolding as this story went to print, made what happened in LA seem almost quaint.
—Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
The abduction of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father—both of whom have pending asylum claims—was unfolding in the driveway of the family’s home, on a street where Granlund often walks her dog.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
In the basement studio of the New Ballet in San Jose, a single figure crouched in a low lunge lifts his head, unfolding upwards like a flower turning toward a rising sun.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
These civil service reforms are also unfolding alongside aggressive efforts to shrink the federal workforce.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
While beauty trends are unfolding on the runway, they’re also being set by the glistening celebs on the front row.
—Essence, 30 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
-
The researchers envision this fungal innovation evolving beyond basic insulation into a versatile staple of modern construction.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Coldplay and evolving visibility Coldplay was the halftime show headliner in 2016, bringing out Beyoncé and Bruno Mars for a performance built around themes of unity, inclusion and joy.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As a 20-year-old, Taylor Barnard raced with chutzpah and still blooming talent in getting two poles and five podium finishes for Neom McLaren.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Many fruit trees are blooming; complete normal pruning early this month.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The banana-loving blobs have already been trotted out to advertise the Games, appearing in a spot with Team USA snowboarding gold medalist Chloe Kim.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
-
These limitations have become more visible as drone swarms grow more advanced and coordinated, often appearing alongside cruise missiles and other threats.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Co-writer and director Hill brings a unique lens to Reef’s wild but spiritually cleansing, nostalgic and eye-opening trip down memory lane, where confronting his past might be the only way to rescue his future.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Sullivan first gained a following in Hartford after opening his BOP Coffee Roastery on Pratt Street in early 2024.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
3 Feb. 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 plant will eventually shift its focus to flowering and start to decline.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Build a hedge row for privacy or plant a statement flowering tree for a dramatic focal point.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
31 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 5 Feb. 2026.
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