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
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Recent Examples of unfolding
Sarah Marlow, global head of fertiliser pricing at Argus, agreed that the unfolding crisis in the Middle East would have a bigger impact on the fertilizer trade than the Russia-Ukraine war.
—
Chloe Taylor,sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
As China’s fashion market recovers, that momentum is unfolding against a shifting backdrop.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2026
Long migrations under threat Declines are unfolding in other great river systems as well.
—Zeb Hogan, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
The unfolding crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is exposing America’s privilege as a vulnerability.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Every scene plays out as the most generic version of itself — unfolding along preset story beats and against plain desert backdrops rather than growing organically from specific individuals in a specific setting.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
Several other journalists at the scene who were documenting the unfolding incident, including CNN’s senior producer Abeer Salman, attempted to intervene but were pushed away.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
But the unfolding story also reveals a grown child from McGee's past that even the proud family man didn't know about.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
What is unfolding in Los Angeles is part of a deliberate, statewide political strategy by California’s teachers’ unions to use contract negotiations as leverage.
—Lance Christensen, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Chloe Taylor,sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
As China’s fashion market recovers, that momentum is unfolding against a shifting backdrop.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2026
Long migrations under threat Declines are unfolding in other great river systems as well.
—Zeb Hogan, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
The unfolding crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is exposing America’s privilege as a vulnerability.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Every scene plays out as the most generic version of itself — unfolding along preset story beats and against plain desert backdrops rather than growing organically from specific individuals in a specific setting.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
Several other journalists at the scene who were documenting the unfolding incident, including CNN’s senior producer Abeer Salman, attempted to intervene but were pushed away.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
But the unfolding story also reveals a grown child from McGee's past that even the proud family man didn't know about.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
What is unfolding in Los Angeles is part of a deliberate, statewide political strategy by California’s teachers’ unions to use contract negotiations as leverage.
—Lance Christensen, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
In practice, that means the Commission is wary of big mergers, unless they are paired with social taxes — protecting jobs, expanding network coverage in poorer areas and ensuring the Black majority benefits.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
20 Mar. 2026
-
OpenAI has spent the last few years expanding its tools into standalone products.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tucked in between the historic Sistrunk neighborhood, the still under-construction FAT Village development and Flagler Village, a neighborhood popular with young people and families, Thrive is meant to cater to downtown Fort Lauderdale’s evolving demographics.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2026
-
This rapid timeline shows how defense companies are trying to respond faster to evolving threats rather than relying on slower traditional acquisition cycles.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Spring has taken hold across Texas, with blooming flowers and budding trees signaling the season’s arrival — and giving families the perfect excuse to head out in search of scenic fields.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Hummingbirds migrate annually due to changes in food availability as flowers stop blooming in colder months.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The season ends with Sandra appearing threatening, and Maddie left to confront a dangerous new reality.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Cyrus and Hemsworth dated on and off for years after appearing together in the movie The Last Song.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
There isn’t a single season-opening starter back from last year’s offensive line, and the secondary is in the same boat.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The Associated Press reported that Rivera's attorneys argued in their opening statement that Rivera's lobbying was exempt from the Foreign Agents Registration Act, because it was focused on bringing the oil company Exxon back to Venezuela, for the subsidiary, which is based out of Texas.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And yes, despite his agent saying Crosby is progressing in his rehab from knee surgery, his long-term health is a question mark.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The Kings said Murray is progressing in his recovery after missing the past seven games with a left ankle sprain, but he has not been cleared to return.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Clones of Stumpy are flowering for the first time this spring.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
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If in the ground, tulips can survive outside in most USDA zones, but soil temperatures in pots never retain enough heat for spring flowering bulbs to survive frigid cold temperatures.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Yeah, neurodivergence is continually being misunderstood and judged on the outside without ever showing anything on the inside.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Slopes that were once blanketed in deep snow are now showing large patches of bare ground, with only limited terrain still skiable.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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