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 flowering
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
Their accounts include previously unreported details about the turmoil unfolding at one of the nation’s leading health agencies.
—
Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
The focus on Red Crescent also keeps the film firmly on course; The Voice of Hind Rajab is not a film about either side of the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza but in the moral no-man’s land in between.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Since then, challenges to the president’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act have been unfolding in courts across the country, and several judges have blocked deportations under the law within their judicial districts.
—Jan Wolfe, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
In the meantime, the war rumbles on and diplomatic efforts to end the bloodshed and the unfolding famine continue.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Officials say early reports remain unclear, but the situation is rapidly unfolding with grim numbers emerging from remote districts.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
What’s unfolding in streaming is a leadership parable that extends far outside media.
—Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Today’s heating, driven by fossil fuel emissions, is unfolding within just a few decades.
—Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Trojans fans wish Riley would do his unfolding a bit faster.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
The focus on Red Crescent also keeps the film firmly on course; The Voice of Hind Rajab is not a film about either side of the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza but in the moral no-man’s land in between.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Since then, challenges to the president’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act have been unfolding in courts across the country, and several judges have blocked deportations under the law within their judicial districts.
—Jan Wolfe, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
In the meantime, the war rumbles on and diplomatic efforts to end the bloodshed and the unfolding famine continue.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Officials say early reports remain unclear, but the situation is rapidly unfolding with grim numbers emerging from remote districts.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
What’s unfolding in streaming is a leadership parable that extends far outside media.
—Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Today’s heating, driven by fossil fuel emissions, is unfolding within just a few decades.
—Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Trojans fans wish Riley would do his unfolding a bit faster.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
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Student Experience and Programming — expanding academic programs such as the Capstone Design, the Flowers Invention Studio, and the Student Competition Center by supporting faculty mentors and students.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
France, which plans to recognize a Palestinian state this month at the United Nations, also voiced its opposition to Israel expanding operations in Gaza.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Shepherd, who has contributed to the company’s acquisition phase and government and community relations efforts, will now also lead DBH’s evolving long-term growth strategy for ballparks.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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While technology may still be evolving in some areas, a challenge also lies in adoption.—
Brad Rencher,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The most important time to prune lavender is right after flowering in summer, but timing for this varies because some types of lavender bloom earlier than others.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
11 Sep. 2025
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If adding new focal point plants and a mix of fall-flowering annuals doesn’t fit your vision for the season, take your fall refresh in another direction and simplify your container schemes.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In a voicemail unwittingly left on Thomas’ phone, a male and a female are heard talking while appearing to move something heavy.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
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Scientists hail cancer breakthroughs Scientists are hailing promising breakthroughs in the fight against cancer, with one new therapy appearing to kill tumors without damaging healthy flesh.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Alongside this accountability gap, mercenaries are also opening major operational gaps.—
Alia Brahimi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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Carolina lost its season-opening contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a way that made the Panthers look unrecognizable from the one that ended 2024 on a tear.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Sabalenka has been true to her word in New York, claiming straight-sets victories in her first four matches before progressing to the last four after Markéta Vondroušová withdrew with a knee injury.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
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Ragans is progressing toward a return and will likely pitch in a rehab game this weekend.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Mums need moisture to stay healthy and continue blooming.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
-
This summer-blooming perennial can be divided in spring or fall, but since spring is so busy with many garden chores, why not do it this fall?—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The semiconductor industry and the equipment that support that industry are showing robust continuous growth in most parts of the world supporting consumer, industrial and data center applications.—
Thomas Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Investigators found notebooks filled with hate, violent thoughts and admiration for mass murderers, showing clear signs of deep mental instability.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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