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
In the story, a girl named Rose is beaten semi-regularly, the punishment unfolding as a kind of ritualized performance with distinct stages.
—
Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
In fact, deeper relationship with your family may already be unfolding over the course of the next 15 years.
—Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2024
In the end, the drama unfolding on the news is the one that sticks.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
But this idea that Destiny 3 is that answer, even if in a perfect world that may be true, does not really gel with the reality that has been unfolding over the last couple years.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Publisher and developer Nagai Industries also speaks of how player choice will drive the unfolding narrative, and much of the focus will be on meaning, assumingly derived from ongoing conversations with patrons and the meditation of routine.
—Mitch Wallace, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
According to Trevor Nobile, a field operations director with the DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment program, an investigation is still unfolding, and the size of the spill may change yet again as Enbridge continues to take samples.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Jean-Pierre told reporters at the daily briefing that Biden has been getting regular updates about what's unfolding on Capitol Hill.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2024
The directors choose to play many scenes on her face, capturing her reactions to whatever’s unfolding in copious close-ups.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024
Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
In fact, deeper relationship with your family may already be unfolding over the course of the next 15 years.
—Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2024
In the end, the drama unfolding on the news is the one that sticks.
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
But this idea that Destiny 3 is that answer, even if in a perfect world that may be true, does not really gel with the reality that has been unfolding over the last couple years.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Publisher and developer Nagai Industries also speaks of how player choice will drive the unfolding narrative, and much of the focus will be on meaning, assumingly derived from ongoing conversations with patrons and the meditation of routine.
—Mitch Wallace, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
According to Trevor Nobile, a field operations director with the DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment program, an investigation is still unfolding, and the size of the spill may change yet again as Enbridge continues to take samples.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
Jean-Pierre told reporters at the daily briefing that Biden has been getting regular updates about what's unfolding on Capitol Hill.
—Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2024
The directors choose to play many scenes on her face, capturing her reactions to whatever’s unfolding in copious close-ups.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
-
Thousands of Starbucks baristas are set to walk off the job on Tuesday, expanding the dayslong holiday strike to 300 stores in dozens of cities and towns nationwide, according to the union Starbucks Workers United.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Many are expanding across markets.—
Alex Lazarow,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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These systems learn from real-time data, refining their capabilities and adapting to evolving business needs.—
Kiran Yelamaneni,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
-
Such efforts can help strengthen the protection of digital assets and customer data while addressing the evolving demands of API security.—
Michael Nicosia,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Stories appearing in the Daily Star, New York Post and other outlets began claiming, with alarming certainty, that this was evidence of a parallel universe.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
-
But with any group of players appearing on the court together for the first time, there’s bound to be dysfunction at first.—
Jason Beede,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The nostalgic cruise, like all Princess Cruises, uses the company’s state of the art Medallion Class technology to make identification, service, and opening one’s cabin a simple and transparent process.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Joe Choate, a former banker and experienced weekend sailor, smashed headfirst into a handrail, opening a bloody gash down his forehead.—
David Wolman,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that West Ham were progressing in their talks with Potter, with the club later confirming the departure of Julen Lopetegui after six months in charge.—
Stuart James,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
-
This program, which began in 2022, is designed to rectify historic problems with IDR plans that prevented many borrowers from progressing toward 20- or 25-year loan forgiveness.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Back in October, TMZ reported news of an alleged split between the pair, but shortly after, the couple was spotted in Tokyo showing much love and affection to one another.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
6 Jan. 2025
-
The survey results reiterated prior consumer polls showing the importance of various options.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
WWD,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Knicks picked up their 14th win in the last 18 games with a dominant wire-to-wire 139-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, extending their winning streak to four games.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
24 Dec. 2024
-
This also helps reduce fading of textiles and furniture, thereby extending its life.—
Heather Farmbrough,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
In fact, 30 of the 31 fastest-growing teams came from hockey.—
Brett Knight,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
With health care jobs projected to be among the fastest growing employment sector over the next decade, the market for students currently enrolled in health care education programs looks bright.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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