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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of unfolding
Soon after, in Frisco, a booming D-FW city with a large South Asian population, the unfolding H-1B changes also spurred a broader, contentious debate about diversity, population growth and patriotism, The News reported.
—
Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
But the changes are also unfolding against a backdrop of mass layoffs from both firms, and across the broader economy.
—Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
Demonstrations opposing Israel’s war in Gaza and Herzog’s presence erupted across Australia, with the largest confrontation unfolding in Sydney.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
What appears to be unfolding now feels very different.
—Helmut Paul, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
When those same renters feel unsafe going to work, the upshot is a crisis unfolding indoors — one that's less visible than arrests and detentions on the streets, but still deeply unnerving.
—CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
As temperatures outside the DeKalb County Jail plunged into the teens, a tragedy was unfolding inside the Georgia jail.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
The unfolding Jeffrey Epstein saga has galvanized the public for the breadth of its revelations into elite power, from the financial to the political, the cultural to the sociological.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
The unfolding catastrophe has long been clear to the people who run Ukraine’s energy sector.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
But the changes are also unfolding against a backdrop of mass layoffs from both firms, and across the broader economy.
—Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
Demonstrations opposing Israel’s war in Gaza and Herzog’s presence erupted across Australia, with the largest confrontation unfolding in Sydney.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
What appears to be unfolding now feels very different.
—Helmut Paul, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
When those same renters feel unsafe going to work, the upshot is a crisis unfolding indoors — one that's less visible than arrests and detentions on the streets, but still deeply unnerving.
—CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
As temperatures outside the DeKalb County Jail plunged into the teens, a tragedy was unfolding inside the Georgia jail.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
The unfolding Jeffrey Epstein saga has galvanized the public for the breadth of its revelations into elite power, from the financial to the political, the cultural to the sociological.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
The unfolding catastrophe has long been clear to the people who run Ukraine’s energy sector.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
Future versions are projected to extend driving range to around 310–372 miles (500–600 kilometers), expanding suitability beyond short-range applications.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Bill Gates named in Epstein files Documents released from the Epstein files indicate that Gates and Epstein met repeatedly after Epstein's prison term to discuss expanding the Microsoft founder's philanthropic efforts.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This causes the outer layers of the star to expand and cool, evolving into a red giant, while the interior of the core heats up, intensifying the rate of fusion within it.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Instead, as college hockey evolves, Motzko sees the Gophers program evolving with it, for the better.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For the warmer months, sit outside at The Garden for views of Aspen Mountain accompanied by blooming flowers around you.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Outdoors, the magnolias, camellias and winter roses are blooming, along with the first of spring’s showy daffodils, and the hiking trails are open.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Potential jurors expressed a range of opinions on social media during jury selection questioning, with some appearing concerned about the companies’ impact on society, their children and their older parents.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The images and videos show a person wearing gloves, a mask, khakis, sneakers and a backpack, appearing to tamper with the camera at Guthrie’s front door on the morning of her disappearance.—
Liz Kreutz,
NBC news,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As a first step of the project, De Giglio wanted to bring back the authentic barber experience, opening the Barberia of Eredi Zucca barber shop in Milan with a full range of products encompassing grooming, hair care, body care, skin care, tools and accessories.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Shares fell almost 4% before the opening bell.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Do not forget Chelsea accrued in excess of £84m from winning the Club World Cup and have already brought in another £80m by progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League, with the possibility of more to come.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
But the work is hard to spot from the road and is progressing on schedule for a November opening, the builders say.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Early warm spells can encourage spring-flowering bulbs to emerge before the risk of cold damage has passed.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Key harvest signals include firm skin, flowering for early harvests, and foliage dieback for full maturity.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Some years ago, The Andrea, a seasonal seafood restaurant on the west end of Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, posted a black-and-white photo on Facebook showing a line of cars buried in the sand.—
Kathleen Hill,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Fox News Digital reviewed internal Signal chat messages from Seattle-area rapid response groups showing that the rejection of whistles triggered open hostility.—
Asra Q. Nomani,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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