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
Images of the unfolding environmental disaster have also underscored what some have seen as a slow response by authorities.
—
Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Corporate interests hurt land-lease residents As Central Florida’s housing crisis deepens, a quieter emergency is unfolding in land-lease communities all across the Orlando area.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
One such is unfolding in Princeton, New Jersey, with special importance this year.
—Jon Meacham, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Kurt's key takeaways The Amtrak breach is still unfolding, and key details remain unclear.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
While this was unfolding, detectives learned the identity of the body found that morning on the Howard Frankland Bridge was Limon.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Moriarty was asked what was going through your head as this was all unfolding before her.
—Lauren Victory, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
That is the quiet comedy unfolding across the country.
—Larry Clifton, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
For Lacayo, that reality is still unfolding.
—Alyssa Ferro-Lloret, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Corporate interests hurt land-lease residents As Central Florida’s housing crisis deepens, a quieter emergency is unfolding in land-lease communities all across the Orlando area.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
One such is unfolding in Princeton, New Jersey, with special importance this year.
—Jon Meacham, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Kurt's key takeaways The Amtrak breach is still unfolding, and key details remain unclear.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
While this was unfolding, detectives learned the identity of the body found that morning on the Howard Frankland Bridge was Limon.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Moriarty was asked what was going through your head as this was all unfolding before her.
—Lauren Victory, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
That is the quiet comedy unfolding across the country.
—Larry Clifton, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
For Lacayo, that reality is still unfolding.
—Alyssa Ferro-Lloret, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
From global dishes to comfort food classics, many supermarkets now offer — and are expanding — buffet-style prepared foods that rival takeout in both variety and convenience.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
While the business itself operates within the expanding private credit market, an asset class that has drawn significant institutional capital in recent years, the partnership behind it remains its most distinctive feature.—
NIa Bowers,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The trial centers on the 2015 birth of the ChatGPT maker as a nonprofit startup primarily funded by Musk before evolving into a capitalistic venture now valued at $852 billion.—
Barbara Ortutay,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The production, directed with the brooding fluidity that is David Cromer’s calling card, is most alive in the evolving dynamic between Nick and Jacki, whose romance happens by degrees then all at once before reality intervenes and the criminal justice bureaucracy grinds to a halt.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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These new areas truly shine, especially with the blooming monkeyflower along the trail and lemonade berry archways.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
This late-blooming plant shows its color in summer and fall.—
Blythe Copeland,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Amy Beck — the mom of influencer Noah Beck — has been placed on administrative leave by her school district after a video resurfaced of her appearing to simulate oral sex with her son.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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Hill said while appearing on stage with hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After opening the season with three wins and a solid fourth outing in a Rays victory, Matz had a rough start on April 21 against the Reds, allowing three home runs and lasting only three innings.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The bill would not ban the cards but would restrict how and when health care providers are able to offer them to patients in hopes of ensuring customers are aware of their terms and not pushed into opening them.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Productivity actions are progressing well and mgmt.—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Collier, who had surgery on her left ankle on March 24, is progressing through rehab as expected, the Lynx announced Monday.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Add colorful bee-friendly flowers like zinnias and flowering herbs as companion plants to your vegetable garden.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Start with a base of large flowers, then incorporate flowering branches to build height on one side for a contemporary asymmetrical look.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The team wanted to keep Phillips and even engaged in conversations with Trey Hendrickson, showing the desire for a high-level edge rusher to join Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith in the top three.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Cops also felt hot on the trail after a driver shared footage showing Neukgu trotting alongside a mountain road.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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