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

The merger debate is unfolding as CSX is cutting roughly 1,100 maintenance-of-way jobs, according to a labor group. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

The beauty of the landscape will sit alongside the cruelty unfolding among the characters. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

But the rapprochement is unfolding against considerable skepticism inside Venezuela, according to two recent surveys by the Venezuelan polling firm Meganálisis. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

In the face of a Category 5 hurricane or an unfolding political scandal, campaign flyers and 30-second TV ads are useless. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

But much of that growth is unfolding in a market already dominated by a powerful local player. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

The truths, the realignments are cascading, unfolding as seekers everywhere are finding a portal to the cosmic, the spiritual, and even the divine — all through drugs. — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

With only a matter of weeks until Israel heads to the ballot box, the sharpest political battleground is unfolding in the skies. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Their stands fell mostly quiet in the final minutes, a stark contrast to the celebration unfolding across the field. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026