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

Beneath the authoritarian entrenchment, another history has been unfolding. — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

The immigration debate is unfolding alongside a broader political contest over the direction of Doral’s government. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

At the same time, advanced electron microscopy and computer modeling revealed the atomic-scale activity unfolding inside. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Swift presents herself as someone who has already lived through the same destructive relationship pattern now unfolding in her ex’s new relationship. — David Penn, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026

After peace plan, ignored the unfolding genocide to propose diplomatic normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Fourteen years after authorities found Faith Hedgepeth dead, the 19-year-old’s final hours have been unfolding in a North Carolina courtroom, where tearful testimony and questions about missing evidence marked the opening days of a murder trial. — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

As the first-stage booster separated from the cargo Dragon spacecraft, the light show began unfolding not only over the Space Coast, but for those who looked skyward hundreds of miles away. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Baylor then exposed the Sun Devils, producing an image this program hasn’t seen much recently — a fourth quarter unfolding in front of a mostly empty stadium. — Doug Haller, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026