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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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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
-
Future versions are projected to extend driving range to around 310–372 miles (500–600 kilometers), expanding suitability beyond short-range applications.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Bill Gates named in Epstein files Documents released from the Epstein files indicate that Gates and Epstein met repeatedly after Epstein's prison term to discuss expanding the Microsoft founder's philanthropic efforts.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 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
-
Do not forget Chelsea accrued in excess of £84m from winning the Club World Cup and have already brought in another £80m by progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League, with the possibility of more to come.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
But the work is hard to spot from the road and is progressing on schedule for a November opening, the builders say.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 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
-
Some years ago, The Andrea, a seasonal seafood restaurant on the west end of Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, posted a black-and-white photo on Facebook showing a line of cars buried in the sand.—
Kathleen Hill,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Fox News Digital reviewed internal Signal chat messages from Seattle-area rapid response groups showing that the rejection of whistles triggered open hostility.—
Asra Q. Nomani,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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