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
At the same time that the murders are unfolding, a traumatic incident from Anna's past resurfaces as a possible motive.
—
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The Spa Much of the 5,773-square-foot spa is outdoors, unfolding around tropical gardens inspired by the flora and fauna found in El Yunque National Forest.
—Amber Kallor, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
That is why Trump’s December warning to the Iranian regime, reinforced by recent actions in Venezuela and unfolding events inside Iran itself, should resonate powerfully in Tehran and other capitals that threaten US interests.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The images show vivid auroras dancing overhead and a fox below who seems far more interested in the photographer than the light show unfolding above.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The Legislature’s tax discussions are unfolding in the shadow of a controversial ballot measure proposal to impose a one-time tax on the state’s billionaires.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Alejandra Espinoza and Alan Tacher are the main hosts of the show, who will front the galas every night, and they will be joined by a trio of show analysts who will give their takes on all the drama unfolding on TV.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
The power outages are unfolding amid freezing temperatures in Kyiv, where forecasts show overnight lows under 20 degrees.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The events unfolding in Venezuela won’t immediately change anything for consumers at the pump, however.
—Hannah Parker, NBC news, 6 Jan. 2026
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The Spa Much of the 5,773-square-foot spa is outdoors, unfolding around tropical gardens inspired by the flora and fauna found in El Yunque National Forest.
—Amber Kallor, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
That is why Trump’s December warning to the Iranian regime, reinforced by recent actions in Venezuela and unfolding events inside Iran itself, should resonate powerfully in Tehran and other capitals that threaten US interests.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The images show vivid auroras dancing overhead and a fox below who seems far more interested in the photographer than the light show unfolding above.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The Legislature’s tax discussions are unfolding in the shadow of a controversial ballot measure proposal to impose a one-time tax on the state’s billionaires.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Alejandra Espinoza and Alan Tacher are the main hosts of the show, who will front the galas every night, and they will be joined by a trio of show analysts who will give their takes on all the drama unfolding on TV.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
The power outages are unfolding amid freezing temperatures in Kyiv, where forecasts show overnight lows under 20 degrees.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The events unfolding in Venezuela won’t immediately change anything for consumers at the pump, however.
—Hannah Parker, NBC news, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
Last summer, her Hulu documentary Call Her Alex premiered, and she's also spent the year expanding her Unwell Hydration beverage line with new caffeinated beverages.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Backed by nearly $180 billion in venture capital and rapid growth in AI, fintech, and health tech, the sector is expanding New York’s tax base, attracting top talent, and fueling long-term economic growth.—
Julie Samuels,
New York Daily News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
By combining Tailan’s battery expertise with Changan’s automotive manufacturing capabilities, the partnership positions both sides at the forefront of the evolving energy storage markets.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
College football is evolving, and the occasional high-profile quarterback drama will neither accelerate the process nor stop it.—
Ralph D. Russo,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Like any other bulb, the amaryllis needs its foliage to build its energy reserves for the next blooming period, says gardening expert Kelly Funk.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
-
This year's gold medalists include an innovative little squash and a big-blooming dianthus.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That included winning three of the last six Super Bowls while appearing in five of them, while also reaching the AFC Championship Game for seven consecutive seasons.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Wright has played at least one game with eight teams since making his NFL debut by appearing in three outings with Pittsburgh in 2020.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Per his release, the rapper must follow strict guidelines for the next five years, such as no alcohol, drug testing, and federal supervision when opening bank accounts.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
-
But a landmark land claims settlement in 1980 exempted Maine from federal Indian gaming laws, which has prevented the tribes from opening casinos on their lands.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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
-
Many spring-flowering shrubs, including lilacs, bigleaf hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and lilacs, bloom on what is referred to as old wood—flower buds that were formed during the previous summer or fall.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Right after flowering and before new growth begins is the right time to repot the Christmas cactus.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Byard studies a smartphone showing his year-old wishes for a new coach, those expressed to a reporter late last season, including disappointment that far too many missteps had been improperly dealt with.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Irvine Police Department (IPD) released footage showing what appears to be heavily armed officers foiling the brazen burglary as two suspects, dressed in black hoodies and face masks, attempted to flee with an armful of designer items.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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