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
Voting rights advocates across the South say a new chapter in the fight over political representation is unfolding following a series of court decisions and redistricting battles that could reshape congressional maps before the 2028 election cycle.
—
Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 17 June 2026
With pockets of protests against the Iranian government unfolding outside SoFi Stadium, Iran just took the field for warm-ups.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
And indeed, because IRIS was already observing the region, researchers obtained nearly five uninterrupted hours of observations before the flare erupted, providing a rare window into the processes unfolding in the sun's atmosphere before the explosion.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026
El Niño conditions now unfolding near the equator could lead to warmer-than-normal water temperatures across the Pacific through the fall and winter.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
Zac Anderson The UFC takeover of the White House isn't just unfolding on the South Lawn.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Perhaps more important, though, Cabeca appreciates the community engagement unfolding before her eyes.
—Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Although the action is unfolding in the Frost Bank Center, there is plenty of energy in the Big Apple as thousands of New Yorkers have gathered at big and small parties throughout the five boroughs.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 13 June 2026
The red, blue, and white flyer reflects a cross-cultural dialogue unfolding across the city.
—Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 17 June 2026
With pockets of protests against the Iranian government unfolding outside SoFi Stadium, Iran just took the field for warm-ups.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
And indeed, because IRIS was already observing the region, researchers obtained nearly five uninterrupted hours of observations before the flare erupted, providing a rare window into the processes unfolding in the sun's atmosphere before the explosion.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026
El Niño conditions now unfolding near the equator could lead to warmer-than-normal water temperatures across the Pacific through the fall and winter.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
Zac Anderson The UFC takeover of the White House isn't just unfolding on the South Lawn.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Perhaps more important, though, Cabeca appreciates the community engagement unfolding before her eyes.
—Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Although the action is unfolding in the Frost Bank Center, there is plenty of energy in the Big Apple as thousands of New Yorkers have gathered at big and small parties throughout the five boroughs.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 13 June 2026
The red, blue, and white flyer reflects a cross-cultural dialogue unfolding across the city.
—Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
According to Academy rules, the number of nominees in each category is determined by the volume of submissions, with the field expanding to a sixth lead or supporting nominee only once entries cross the 80-submission threshold.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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Educational institutions, workforce agencies, employers, libraries, and community organizations each play an important role in expanding access to these capabilities.—
Michael Edmondson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
This collaboration reflects Sooka’s commitment to expanding our content ecosystem with innovative, mobile-first formats that resonate with evolving viewing habits.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
-
Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
There are lots of attractive annuals that brighten up gardens with their spring-blooming flowers.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
13 June 2026
-
Tiny butterflies, identifiable by species, flit among blooming epiphytes; red-breasted meadowlarks take to the air; an emerald-green quetzal perches on a branch.—
Susan Tallman,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
The 63-year-old Scary Movie 6 actress revealed that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, while appearing on the Wednesday, June 10 episode of Chelsea Handler’s Dear Chelsea podcast.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
-
After appearing in numerous TV anthology drama series in the 1950s, Smithers segued to regular series work in the ’60s, most notably a nine-month run as the character David Schuster in the nighttime soap Peyton Place in 1965-66.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Lionel Messi was inches from opening the scoring in Kansas City with just about five minutes gone.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
-
The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
They were gathered to learn the crew assignments for Artemis 3, the agency's next mission progressing its efforts to return astronauts to the moon.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
12 June 2026
-
At previous tournaments, some teams and supporters have appeared happy just to enjoy the experience with little hope of progressing beyond the group stage.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Use flowering shrubs such as hydrangeas and lilacs, aromatic herbs such as lavender, and plants with interesting foliage to add pizzazz to your arrangements.—
Viveka Neveln,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2026
-
Flowering will likely begin after three years, with fruit appearing four to 12 months after flowering, says Canney.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
One customer showing her Dutch pride is Agatha Mills Doboer.—
Dawn White,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
The city, which has grown 61% in the last decade, is now majority minority with census data showing the population as 46% white, 34% Asian, 10% Latino and 10% Black.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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