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

From early starts to days unfolding in offices, studios and city streets, the campaign brings together Hoka’s focus on comfort, performance and movement with Marni’s creative approach to personal style. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

The unrest is unfolding as France’s campaign to choose Macron’s successor gathers pace, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen leading the race. — Sylvie Corbet, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

The emergency appeal to the high court came in the fast-moving legal battle unfolding in the run-up to Tuesday's elections. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

All in One of the most consequential election fights is unfolding down the ballot as Democrats mount an ambitious push to gain 10 state House seats to flip control of the chamber for the first time in decades. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Love revolving around the unfolding relationship between an unlikely couple. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026

The Ohio artist’s first album in four years is paranoid, indulgent, and theatrical, unfolding like a dark romantasy novel. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and several commissioners criticized the plan for linking county government with a video game that revels in violence unfolding in a fictional Miami. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

Rahardjo’s next project is a creature feature unfolding in a countryside village in Indonesia. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026