unfolding

present participle of unfold
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
4

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 America250 is behind the ball drops unfolding in many cities, including New York, and will host a concert in Los Angeles on Saturday. Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Related Stories The play centers on Helen’s homecoming following a war waged over her, unfolding on the first uneasy night of peace. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026 Across the country, a similar story is quietly unfolding beneath the fireworks and fanfare of America’s semiquincentennial. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 In Gemini, this revolution is unfolding through language, technology, media, education and the rapid circulation of ideas. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 From inside The Rawlings Room, guests can watch the action unfolding a few feet away. Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 2 July 2026 On the very same weekend NASCAR transformed Naval Base Coronado into a street circuit, another competition was unfolding. Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 But the parking lot suggested a different story — one that had been unfolding there for more than three decades. Evan Moore july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 But there will be some new additions to the tone and thrust of the story, as Tranter shared that much of it will be focused on what is unfolding post-wedding for Mary and her husband, Tom Hayward, played by Dónal Finn. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
  • Your 12th House of Rest and Reflection opens wider as Jupiter arrives, expanding your inner world and asking for generous rest that renews focus.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • This diverse, global podcast journalism is vital for informing creators, advertisers, and the expanding audience, reflecting podcasting's evolving identity and widespread appeal.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Continuous learning and reinvention are essential to remain relevant and valuable in this evolving landscape, ultimately making individuals more strategic and creative.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, that changing tally offers a unique lens on humanity's evolving understanding of the cosmos since 1776.
    Tariq Malik, Space.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The story follows one family who plants bulbs, seeds and seedlings to create a rainbow of blooming flowers.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • With a touch of your grandmother’s style and blooming flowers in every patch, this quilt is our favorite pick for Southern summers.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The Emmy-winning host and executive producer of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has landed a guest role on General Hospital, appearing in a three-episode arc that'll air on July 2, 3 and 6 on ABC.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
  • The Germans began putting pressure on Paraguay from the start of the extra period, including a possible penalty when Nick Woltemade’s shot was blocked by Gustavo Gómez, appearing to hit his arm.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The main level features a large great room framed by floor-to-ceiling glass and retractable doors opening directly to the terrace and lake.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Months after opening a $267 million replacement next door, Miami-Dade has struggled to find a buyer for the one built nearly 100 years ago.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • With a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney also progressing well, their summer business is ramping up.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Johnson used eye-tracking technology to speak about how the fast-progressing disease has stolen his physical strength, even as his mind remains sharp.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • After flowering, the foliage continues to photosynthesize and generates energy, which is stored in the roots.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
  • Each flowering stem adds blooms to the end, so the stems can become long and tangled over time.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The idea was to reflect girlhood through different periods of American history, showing the changes and similarities in books and their accompanying dolls and historically accurate outfits.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • What started as a small barbecue competition with 12 teams has become a 44-year tradition with more than 100 teams showing up and showing out at the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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