unfolding

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

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
4

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unfolding But for most Palestinians, de-facto annexation is already unfolding daily. Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025 Drama is unfolding behind the scenes of Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025 Should negotiations continue to fail, the shutdown will continue to affect federal employees, public services, air travel, and unfolding political dynamics. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025 Something is quietly unfolding beneath the surface this month, Sagittarius. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025 Despite the chaos unfolding around her, Pelosi never seemed like a leader in retreat. Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Nov. 2025 In Orange County, Proposition 50 is already unfolding in some early campaign drama for residents in California’s new 40th Congressional District in the eastern part of the county, including Rancho Santa Margarita and Villa Park. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025 What Zuckerberg described—what is now unfolding—is the beginning of a new digital era, more actively anti-social than the last. Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025 High-profile races are unfolding across the country on Tuesday, including New York City's mayoral election and governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia. ABC News, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
  • The concept is expanding into practice in the state as a solution to regional food distribution challenges.
    Cristina LaRue, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Future work will focus on integrating snow-deposition modeling with PV yield simulations to more accurately predict energy losses and on expanding analyses to more complex, uneven alpine terrain.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The concept of this whiskey is that while the base of the blend remains the same, release will have a new component added to create a blend that keeps evolving while still based on the same foundation.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
  • How these attacks keep evolving Security analysts noticed the malware's delivery chain has shifted several times.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Pruning is usually done at specific times of the year, typically while a plant is dormant, before new growth emerges in spring, or once the blooming cycle of a plant is done for the season.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In late spring, the Badlands transform with green grasses and blooming wildflowers, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The trucks' driver doors were open and two people were seen at the rear of the trailers, appearing to be moving items between the trailers, according to an affidavit filed after the incident.
    Christina Hall, Freep.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The classic Big Dipper asterism in Ursa Major was another easy target, with all seven points of light appearing clear against the night sky despite some light pollution over the city.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This is one of Nevada's most coveted travel experiences, and tickets sell out fast each year, with sales opening every August.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The brand first enters new markets launching sales online, investing one to two years in e-commerce and marketing before opening physical stores.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Redick said LeBron James, who didn’t travel with the team for the five-game trip, has done one-on-one work with coaches so far, and that the team is progressing from there in light of James being cleared for contact basketball activities.
    Khobi Price, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
  • But the turnaround under Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is still progressing nicely, driven by better execution on its 737 program.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Here’s a look at some of the most common issues that keep Christmas cacti from flowering, and ways to ensure your plants bloom bright this holiday season.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Deciduous magnolia trees shed their leaves each year and should be pruned in the summer once flowering is over.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Some policymakers have expressed hesitancy to but based on data showing inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target, while others in favor of lowering rates fear further labor market deterioration.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The driver gets a 5-inch color dash showing key data such a remaining battery, drive mode, speed and more.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.

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