unfolding

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

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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
4

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unfolding But there will be some new additions to the tone and thrust of the story, as Tranter shared that much of it will be focused on what is unfolding post-wedding for Mary and her husband, Tom Hayward, played by Dónal Finn. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 June 2026 The key change is operational as companies are moving from recording transactions and reporting results to identifying issues earlier, coordinating decisions and taking action while operations are still unfolding. Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The outbreak is unfolding just two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the annual flu shot optional for troops, scrapping the military's requirement for it, which dates to 1945, a move breaking with longstanding public health directives. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 23 June 2026 Riders were not permitted to exit the train while the situation was unfolding. CBS News, 22 June 2026 In May, supporters gathered for the state’s first quantum summit in Hartford to learn more about how the ongoing quantum moment is unfolding. P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 22 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
  • From Sunday school to public school In recent years, Texas leaders have broadly eliminated studies of racial and cultural diversity while expanding the schools’ abilities to introduce Christianity to students.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • The company is also expanding its Customer Acceleration Program, which allows enterprises to evaluate humanoid robots and prepare for large-scale deployment.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Driven by a growing panic over fast-evolving Chinese tech competitors, the old-world rivals are abandoning the tradition of corporate secrecy.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2026
  • Asia’s defense expansion reflects a structural shift in global security and industrial capacity, shaped by geopolitics, technology, and evolving alliances.
    Chris Oberoi, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The city center has boomed, with skyscrapers blooming on vacant post-industrial sites.
    Jill Lawless, Fortune, 21 June 2026
  • After adorning the classic sneaker with various flower details including roses, cherry blossoms and bluebells, a new trio of women’s Air Force 1s is blooming at the brink of summer.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Images appearing to show blue paint peeling from the floor of the pool were surfacing by June 18.
    Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • While appearing at the Supergirl world premiere in New York City on Monday, June 22, the Superman actor, 32, could be seen protecting his costar, Milly Alcock, from a handsy photographer on the red carpet.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Los Angeles County expanded its emergency response by opening a 24-hour smoke respite shelter at City Terrace Park and directing agencies to continue health monitoring and environmental assessments.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • England and Ghana remain scoreless after the opening 45 minutes.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Debate over Arnold’s motivation also still occurs, with some pointing to his own disillusionment with how the war was progressing.
    Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026
  • Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, just needs to win to stand any chance of progressing out of the group after picking up just one point so far this tournament.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Beans stop flowering when daytime temperatures exceed 85°F, so select heat-resistant bean varieties like ‘Rattlesnake’ pole beans and ‘Jade' green beans.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026
  • The sheep graze down grasses and plant material, clearing space for native flowering species to thrive while naturally fertilizing the land in the process.
    Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Still, visitors to Bryce have posted videos on social media showing the giant plume in the distance.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • Fox News Digital previously reported on 911 call audio and police reports obtained through a public records request showing the suspect was released to his father after the alleged hit-and-run.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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