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

In Ocean Springs, where Nolan lived and first made a name for himself, the focus remained on the high school’s football game unfolding in front of them – no moment of silence, visible memorials, signs, ribbons or public tributes. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

Can this connection roll with an unforeseen professional development that’s unfolding? — Usa Today, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

But social media has dramatically changed the way people consume true crime over the past three decades, replacing a passive viewing with a constant stream of commentary, speculation and reactions unfolding in real time. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Beyond individual hazards The Nepal disaster is still an unfolding event, and the exact sequence that produced the flood will become clearer in the coming days. — Milad Haghani, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026

The story can work on two levels—as a straightforward plot, usually culminating in a big match or competition, and as a gradually unfolding character study. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

In this particular case, one of many currently unfolding across the country, 19th Judicial District Court Judge Will Jorden in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, granted the plaintiffs a temporary restraining order in their lawsuit against the NCAA. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Television networks had broadcast the unfolding hostage situation live, and the violent end captivated the American public. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

No one seems bothered that nearly everyone has an Aussie accent, despite this film ostensibly unfolding 100 miles away from Los Angeles (the film was shot in Queensland). — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026