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
It can’t really even be argued that this is a game unfolding between two adults.
—
Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
The Aftermath will air July 16 and will feature three conversations to cover the unfolding scandal since the reunion taping.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
While Paula is inside the motel and horrors begin unfolding, Geri and Rudy chat about their respective futures.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 June 2026
The situation began unfolding on May 21 at GKN Aerospace, a manufacturing company that builds engines and landing gear for both commercial and military aircraft.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 June 2026
But within the context of the show, the sequence read as a performance choice rather than evidence of some unfolding crisis.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Searcy confirmed that the game doesn’t take place in a single day but across three days, with the story unfolding seamlessly to tell the events of E-Day.
—George Yang, Space.com, 10 June 2026
Across the United States, a quiet but high-stakes regulatory revolution is unfolding.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
The races are unfolding against the backdrop of California’s top-two primary system, which sends the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026
Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
The Aftermath will air July 16 and will feature three conversations to cover the unfolding scandal since the reunion taping.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
While Paula is inside the motel and horrors begin unfolding, Geri and Rudy chat about their respective futures.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 June 2026
The situation began unfolding on May 21 at GKN Aerospace, a manufacturing company that builds engines and landing gear for both commercial and military aircraft.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 June 2026
But within the context of the show, the sequence read as a performance choice rather than evidence of some unfolding crisis.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Searcy confirmed that the game doesn’t take place in a single day but across three days, with the story unfolding seamlessly to tell the events of E-Day.
—George Yang, Space.com, 10 June 2026
Across the United States, a quiet but high-stakes regulatory revolution is unfolding.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
The races are unfolding against the backdrop of California’s top-two primary system, which sends the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
According to Academy rules, the number of nominees in each category is determined by the volume of submissions, with the field expanding to a sixth lead or supporting nominee only once entries cross the 80-submission threshold.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
Educational institutions, workforce agencies, employers, libraries, and community organizations each play an important role in expanding access to these capabilities.—
Michael Edmondson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
With a home base in SoHo– an ever-evolving art-world with galleries, studios, and museums, hip metropolitan green spaces such as the High Line, Washington and Union Squares, and designer shops and hubs are all at your fingertips.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
-
The company’s expansion comes amid an evolving media landscape, where creators, entertainers, athletes, comedians and experts are building businesses across content, brand partnerships, live experiences, intellectual property and traditional media.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Once its blooming season wraps up in spring, its leafy shrub remains.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
6 June 2026
-
In times of drought, roses stop blooming as a way to conserve moisture.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Pino began to get emotional while Srebnick discussed the close friendship between the teens and families, appearing distraught and breathing deeply.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
-
The two have cultivated a strong mother-daughter bond over the years, with Bryn frequently appearing in Frankel's social media posts.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
The prosecution and defense both waived their right to opening statements in the sentencing phase.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
-
The shame of opening the door to them in my filthy pajamas, of letting them into an apartment that had not been cleaned or aired for days.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Early signs such as fever or weakness can resemble other viruses, before progressing to diarrhea and vomiting.—
Jane Weaver,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
The device provides physicians the ability to remotely listen to lung sounds and rapidly assess if a child’s asthma symptoms are progressing, so that escalation in care pathways can be determined.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Here are seven flowering shrubs for allergy-sensitive gardeners to consider.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
10 June 2026
-
With help from her friend Ben Liou, who replaced his lawn with native plants, Lee filled the space with a lively mix of sages and flowering perennials, including yellow Bladderpod, pink Palmer’s Penstemon, blue California lilac and poppies.—
Lisa Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
On the front of the card was a scan of his brain showing the tumor on it.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
Bloomberg reported there had been complaints of Manifold showing aggressive behavior toward employees and mishandling sensitive information.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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