UNFOLDING Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

unfolding

verb

present participle of unfold

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

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

as in blooming

to produce flowers the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appearing

to come into view the majestic landscape unfolded before us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unfolding Voting rights advocates across the South say a new chapter in the fight over political representation is unfolding following a series of court decisions and redistricting battles that could reshape congressional maps before the 2028 election cycle. —

Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 17 June 2026 With pockets of protests against the Iranian government unfolding outside SoFi Stadium, Iran just took the field for warm-ups. —

Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026 And indeed, because IRIS was already observing the region, researchers obtained nearly five uninterrupted hours of observations before the flare erupted, providing a rare window into the processes unfolding in the sun's atmosphere before the explosion. —

Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026 El Niño conditions now unfolding near the equator could lead to warmer-than-normal water temperatures across the Pacific through the fall and winter. —

Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 15 June 2026 Zac Anderson The UFC takeover of the White House isn't just unfolding on the South Lawn. —

Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 June 2026 Perhaps more important, though, Cabeca appreciates the community engagement unfolding before her eyes. —

Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026 Although the action is unfolding in the Frost Bank Center, there is plenty of energy in the Big Apple as thousands of New Yorkers have gathered at big and small parties throughout the five boroughs. —

Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 13 June 2026 The red, blue, and white flyer reflects a cross-cultural dialogue unfolding across the city. —

Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding

Verb

Layne’s group has pushed county leaders to fund a continuous drug addiction treatment program, expanding access for those who need it both during and after incarceration.

— Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Episode 2 continues that methodology, pairing globally influential artists with scientific inquiry, while expanding the scope of both the artistry and the research.

— Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 June 2026