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 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 The key change is operational as companies are moving from recording transactions and reporting results to identifying issues earlier, coordinating decisions and taking action while operations are still unfolding. Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The outbreak is unfolding just two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the annual flu shot optional for troops, scrapping the military's requirement for it, which dates to 1945, a move breaking with longstanding public health directives. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 23 June 2026 Riders were not permitted to exit the train while the situation was unfolding. CBS News, 22 June 2026 In May, supporters gathered for the state’s first quantum summit in Hartford to learn more about how the ongoing quantum moment is unfolding. P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 22 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
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
  • Driven by a growing panic over fast-evolving Chinese tech competitors, the old-world rivals are abandoning the tradition of corporate secrecy.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2026
  • Asia’s defense expansion reflects a structural shift in global security and industrial capacity, shaped by geopolitics, technology, and evolving alliances.
    Chris Oberoi, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • From blooming tuberose to golden musks.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 28 June 2026
  • Its advanced Halo Control System and LD180 precise local dimming combine to eliminate blooming across a crisp FHD panel.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 June 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 4 Jul. 2026.

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