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 flowering
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
On the way, an Uber driver complained about traffic, completely unaware of what was unfolding around the corner.
—
Ana González Vilá, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Why is the fight unfolding right now any different?
—Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The primary setting is a classroom at a progressive private school in Berkeley, unfolding almost entirely in a series of board meetings where disagreements over how to handle a mumps outbreak expose deep and eventually quite angry rifts among the parents, on and off the board.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
But scenes of mayhem had already been unfolding at the Gilbert location.
—Robert Anglen, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
And yet a new revolution precipitated by the betrayals of an older uprising ought to prompt us to view what is now unfolding in Nepal, despite its appearance of promise, with at least a modicum of wariness.
—Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Kicking off July 19 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, their sixth world tour THIS IS FOR has been unfolding with unprecedented passion from fans around the globe.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2025
Taylor let Brian Burns blow past him on another third-down in plus territory, preventing whatever the Chiefs had designed from even having the chance of unfolding.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
With the French Maison’s 80th anniversary, Balmain essentially pivots to a more democratic approach of customer participation, unfolding an aspirational and timeless story.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Ana González Vilá, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Why is the fight unfolding right now any different?
—Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The primary setting is a classroom at a progressive private school in Berkeley, unfolding almost entirely in a series of board meetings where disagreements over how to handle a mumps outbreak expose deep and eventually quite angry rifts among the parents, on and off the board.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
But scenes of mayhem had already been unfolding at the Gilbert location.
—Robert Anglen, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
And yet a new revolution precipitated by the betrayals of an older uprising ought to prompt us to view what is now unfolding in Nepal, despite its appearance of promise, with at least a modicum of wariness.
—Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Kicking off July 19 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, their sixth world tour THIS IS FOR has been unfolding with unprecedented passion from fans around the globe.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2025
Taylor let Brian Burns blow past him on another third-down in plus territory, preventing whatever the Chiefs had designed from even having the chance of unfolding.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
With the French Maison’s 80th anniversary, Balmain essentially pivots to a more democratic approach of customer participation, unfolding an aspirational and timeless story.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
Advocates say governments can enhance housing affordability by expanding housing vouchers and enacting stronger tenant protections.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Moving away from YouTube, Yang has his sights set on expanding his talents as a writer, director and storyteller.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In recent years, the district has kept evolving with additional entertainment options.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Sep. 2025
-
If approved, the policy committee recommended the policy be reviewed annually, due to the rapidly-evolving landscape of AI technology.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Plant bulbs now for spring Late September through October is prime time to plant tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other spring-flowering bulbs.—
Brendel Clark,
Freep.com,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Fall is the best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs and native plant seeds that benefit from cold stratification, like milkweed and bee balm.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Large clusters appearing on weather radars are likely massive flocks of migrating birds, not storms.—
Brandi D. Addison,
The Providence Journal,
29 Sep. 2025
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Power shoulders continued their evolution, now appearing in softened yet commanding forms across tailoring, knits and leather.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
To regain its cool factor, Ervér has invested extensively in branding efforts, from hosting music events featuring Anitta, Charli XCX, Lola Young and Tyla to opening London Fashion Week with a splashy runway show.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
-
What feels significant today is that artists and designers are reclaiming these codes, challenging traditional ideas of girlhood and opening them up to more inclusive expressions of age and identity.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And medicine is progressing at astonishing speed.—
Renaud Foucart,
Time,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Dylan D’Epifanio, Northwood, QB The 6-foot-3 sophomore is progressing with 1,167 yards and 11 TDs for the Timberwolves (3-2).—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Night-blooming tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) should only be planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Sep. 2025
-
After blooming, the plants self-sow their tiny seeds and slowly spread through the years.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Gonzalez, the former National Security Council official, said senior policymakers thought that embassy staff were showing favoritism to Bukele, sending reports that minimized the growing crisis of democracy in El Salvador.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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In the wake of industry agencies reportedly showing interest in signing the AI actress — which prompted intense backlash from members of the Hollywood community — EGOT-winning actress Goldberg addressed the topic Monday from her post on the talk show.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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