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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of unfolding
The battle is unfolding across three distinct fronts, each representing a different vision for crypto payments infrastructure.
—
Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Its almond-and-vanilla base has just a hint of smoky sweetness, unfolding into a spicier scent that gives it a slightly intense fragrance.
—Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
In Germany, photographer Sascha Schuermann captured a dramatic scene unfolding in the skies above North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The state, which has seen more deaths than births for years, faces a fast-unfolding demographic crisis.
—Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
At the same time, there are shifts unfolding at home and within your emotional foundation.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Instead of taking place in a single stadium, LA will host a dual‑venue ceremony (a first for the Games) with celebrations unfolding at both the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026
Observers typically sit in the back of the courtroom notebook and pen in hand, documenting how the hearing is unfolding and how the individual is treated during the proceeding.
—Ubah Ali, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
His parents were murdered in the religious and ethnic violence that has been unfolding in the Arab region for decades.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026
Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Its almond-and-vanilla base has just a hint of smoky sweetness, unfolding into a spicier scent that gives it a slightly intense fragrance.
—Irene Richardson, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
In Germany, photographer Sascha Schuermann captured a dramatic scene unfolding in the skies above North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The state, which has seen more deaths than births for years, faces a fast-unfolding demographic crisis.
—Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
At the same time, there are shifts unfolding at home and within your emotional foundation.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Instead of taking place in a single stadium, LA will host a dual‑venue ceremony (a first for the Games) with celebrations unfolding at both the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026
Observers typically sit in the back of the courtroom notebook and pen in hand, documenting how the hearing is unfolding and how the individual is treated during the proceeding.
—Ubah Ali, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
His parents were murdered in the religious and ethnic violence that has been unfolding in the Arab region for decades.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
While Aspen’s footprint is fixed, Deer Valley is still expanding, creating new ski-in/ski-out neighborhoods and appealing to buyers who value convenience and proximity to a major international airport.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
During these years, England was involved in different wars, the British Empire was expanding globally, and the Industrial Revolution was in full swing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This rising use of AI has principally been spurred by the evolving advances and widespread adoption of generative AI.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Traditional infrastructures depend on predictable, centralized controls, whereas the Web3 environment operates on open networks, real-time settlement, and evolving code.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Like any other bulb, the amaryllis needs its foliage to build its energy reserves for the next blooming period, says gardening expert Kelly Funk.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
-
This year's gold medalists include an innovative little squash and a big-blooming dianthus.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Those comments have been widely read in Washington as crossing a red line by appearing to de‑prioritize a president’s stated legislative priority in favor of one company’s product mix.—
Jason Brett,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Similar wishes were sent to Butt, 51, with David sharing a snap of himself appearing to laugh at a shirtless Butt on the field.—
Kirsty Hatcher,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Harvard got on the board first in the opening two minutes with Andover native Gwyn Lapp finishing off a tricky bounce in front for a 1-0 lead.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
-
According to the club's Instagram page, New Year's Eve was the grand opening of its new after-hours event, with doors opening at midnight.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Skiers and riders can enhance their skills, starting in the mellow, high-alpine powder fields of Bergman Bowl and progressing to the steep trees and rock drops of The Outback.—
Sara Hansen,
Denver Post,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Work is progressing on the 42, while initial designs have been completed for the 82 and 112.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Brown or yellow dry stems simply indicate that the flowering period on those stems is over.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Remove outer stems of cilantro at least weekly to encourage more growth to develop and to keep it from flowering.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Lawyers representing Good's family released preliminary results of an independent autopsy Wednesday showing details consistent with a report from local first responders released last week.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office has released body camera and surveillance footage showing a deadly confrontation between a deputy and an alleged shoplifter at a Walmart in Southwest Miami-Dade.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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