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

But all in all, at about the same number of minutes as Nolan’s film, the linearly unfolding TV version fits in a stunning amount from Homer’s 24-book epic. — Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 24 July 2026

Their collaboration lasted eight years, unfolding at a breakneck pace. — Olivier Bouchara, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026

That is nothing unusual for Mourinho but in the absence of a public appearance, those posts have become one of the clearest windows into how his return to Madrid is unfolding. — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 24 July 2026

But by the end of our stay, I got used to the ritual, focusing my attention instead on the arresting views unfolding beyond our windshield. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026

The race is unfolding at a time when California is facing multiple crises. — Michael R. Blood, Fortune, 23 July 2026

In my experience, the companies best positioned for long-term success are those that act with intention while change is still unfolding. — Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

The training in Bolivia, unfolding while the world remains captivated by the final week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, covered everything from balance, coordination and movement on crutches to ball control, tactics and the rules of amputee soccer. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

If the ceremonies across India underscored CETA’s political and economic significance, the conversations unfolding at Bharat Tex demonstrated how quickly its commercial impact is already being felt. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 15 July 2026