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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Recent Examples of unfolding
Modern telescopes and sky surveys are capturing the universe in extraordinary detail, but interpreting that data requires simulations that can reproduce both the large-scale structure of the cosmos and the complex physics unfolding within galaxies.
—
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 May 2026
And the constant presence of four effortlessly irresistible sisters, each unfolding towards the light like a peony, has stunted her growth.
—Judy Berman, Time, 6 May 2026
Mantello uses a 1948 draft of Arthur Miller’s script to reimagine the American masterpiece as a psychological drama unfolding in liminal space rather than a literal family home.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
This access to immediacy — our ability to be there as history is unfolding — much of that is possible, thanks to the vision of CNN founder Ted Turner.
—NPR, 6 May 2026
Osvaldo was behind him, if not allied with him, then curious about what might be unfolding.
—Chang-Rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
Imagine an audience in the theater interacting in real time with viewers at home, or productions unfolding simultaneously onstage and behind the scenes for different audiences.
—Glenn Davis, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
The most immediate fallout is unfolding in Louisiana, where the Supreme Court invalidated the state’s congressional map and forced officials to halt the May 16 House primaries.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026
One such is unfolding in Princeton, New Jersey, with special importance this year.
—Jon Meacham, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 May 2026
And the constant presence of four effortlessly irresistible sisters, each unfolding towards the light like a peony, has stunted her growth.
—Judy Berman, Time, 6 May 2026
Mantello uses a 1948 draft of Arthur Miller’s script to reimagine the American masterpiece as a psychological drama unfolding in liminal space rather than a literal family home.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
This access to immediacy — our ability to be there as history is unfolding — much of that is possible, thanks to the vision of CNN founder Ted Turner.
—NPR, 6 May 2026
Osvaldo was behind him, if not allied with him, then curious about what might be unfolding.
—Chang-Rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
Imagine an audience in the theater interacting in real time with viewers at home, or productions unfolding simultaneously onstage and behind the scenes for different audiences.
—Glenn Davis, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
The most immediate fallout is unfolding in Louisiana, where the Supreme Court invalidated the state’s congressional map and forced officials to halt the May 16 House primaries.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026
One such is unfolding in Princeton, New Jersey, with special importance this year.
—Jon Meacham, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
Officials said the department is expanding coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services to include parents above that threshold.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
That means expanding solar on city facilities and exploring innovative energy options to reduce emissions and long-term costs.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
As the conversation progresses, dialogue options branch in real time as Phaedra shares more intimate details of what she's been going through and how the virus is evolving within her.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
6 May 2026
-
Dynamic motion leap New footage from Boston Dynamics showcases the Atlas humanoid robot executing a sequence of advanced balance and gymnastics maneuvers that underscore the system’s evolving control capabilities.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Numerous species and cultivars are available, including several long-blooming natives that flower June through September.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
-
Photograph and take notes about plants blooming now.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Amy Beck — the mom of influencer Noah Beck — has been placed on administrative leave by her school district after a video resurfaced of her appearing to simulate oral sex with her son.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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Hill said while appearing on stage with hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After opening the season with three wins and a solid fourth outing in a Rays victory, Matz had a rough start on April 21 against the Reds, allowing three home runs and lasting only three innings.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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The bill would not ban the cards but would restrict how and when health care providers are able to offer them to patients in hopes of ensuring customers are aware of their terms and not pushed into opening them.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The league began the onboarding process for replacement officials last month because negotiations weren’t progressing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
-
The third-year guard suffered a Grade 2 quad strain last week and was progressing well, having been upgraded to day-to-day on Tuesday.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Verb
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The best way to encourage months of flowering on French (bigleaf) and oakleaf hydrangeas is by pruning as little as possible.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 May 2026
-
The pavilion has organized a series of performers for this week, and had an open bar upstairs near a flowering tree.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
In October 2025, a report was released by Blue Water Baltimore and Waterfront Partnership, showing that some areas in the harbor were improving and other areas were headed in the wrong direction.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
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The documents include more than 20 video files showing unidentified objects captured by military sensors in locations from Syria and Japan to North America.—
Seung Min Kim,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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