Synonyms of unfolding

unfolding

verb

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

• expanding
• opening
• extending
• unfurling
• spreading (out)
• stretching (out)
• flaring (out)
• fanning (out)
• outspreading
• outstretching
• overspreading

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closing
• folding
• contracting
• reducing
• condensing
• compressing
• compacting

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

• evolving
• progressing
• growing
• developing
• proceeding
• elaborating
• emerging
• blossoming
• maturing
• ripening
• marching
• forging
• getting along
• advancing
• getting on
• faring
• playing out
• materializing

3

as in blooming

to produce flowers

the rosebud unfolded literally overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blooming
• flowering
• blossoming
• burgeoning
• blowing
• leaving
• efflorescing
• leafing
• budding
• opening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fading
• dying
• withering
• drying up
• dropping
• expiring
• wilting
• shriveling
• perishing

4

as in appearing

to come into view

the majestic landscape unfolded before us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appearing
• showing
• coming
• looming
• arriving
• rising
• happening
• materializing
• coming out
• emerging
• reappearing
• turning up
• showing up
• occurring
• erupting
• surfacing
• arising
• blossoming
• dawning
• resurfacing
• issuing
• bulking
• shooting (up)
• breaking out
• outcropping
• springing (up)
• breaking
• cropping (up)
• bobbing (up)
• debuting
• rematerializing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• going (away)
• vanishing
• disappearing
• dissolving
• evaporating
• fading
• melting (away)
• clearing
• leaving
• evanescing
• withdrawing
• departing
• retiring

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfolding

Scattered throughout are 17 suites unfolding across the hillside in clusters of ancient stone farmhouses. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Poor welfare for frontline workers has been a key source of concern in the outbreak, the second-largest in history unfolding in one of Congo’s most remote and vulnerable areas. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

OpenAI continued to develop and test experimental agents, introducing a new agent on June 11, seemingly unaware of the chaos unfolding behind the scenes. — Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026

But the worse the scene unfolding through the glass gets, the more troubled Jake becomes—by the celebrity’s actions, yes, but also by his own. — Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026

But there's also an energy crisis unfolding for Hungary's nearly 10 million people. — Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

In Nevada, a tight gubernatorial race is unfolding between Lombardo and the state attorney general, Democrat Aaron Ford. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Even though the surroundings were growing dark, the lawn was illuminated, unfolding in a swath of vivid green. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

The blaze in Spokane County is unfolding during a wildfire year that so far has been historically destructive across the United States. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026