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

Advertisement But once game time kicked off, Wahl would have made a point of paying close attention to the action unfolding, to prepare his piece on the game. — Sean Gregory, Time, 10 July 2026

On the day of the party, my husband and I were up early, arranging tables and unfolding chairs. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

The fellowship will fund and support local journalists to produce in-depth reports on how technological and economic shifts are unfolding in specific regions with a focus on education and training. — Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make an appearance in the funeral ceremonies, which are unfolding over several days. — ABC News, 8 July 2026

And then there’s the infamous marketing campaign, which was so convincing as to make audiences believe the terrifying events unfolding were authentic recordings. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

America250 is behind the ball drops unfolding in many cities, including New York, and will host a concert in Los Angeles on Saturday. — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Related Stories The play centers on Helen’s homecoming following a war waged over her, unfolding on the first uneasy night of peace. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026

Across the country, a similar story is quietly unfolding beneath the fireworks and fanfare of America’s semiquincentennial. — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 July 2026