unfolding

Definition of unfoldingnext
present participle of unfold
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
4

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unfolding Moleskine and Issey Miyake’s collaboration brings the late designer’s love of pleats to the beloved writing staple, with the pages unfolding accordion-like between the familiar black cover of the brand’s standard notebooks. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 The sophomore honors student makes a […] Recent Gallup and Pew findings suggest that CCSU’s institutional reorientation is unfolding at a moment of eroding public trust in Big Tech. Dr. Timothy Scott, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026 Inside Venezuela, the transition is unfolding without a formal break. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026 Seeing those two stalwarts move on next year at the latest was likely always to have been the plan at Anfield, but generating savings sooner has taken on greater importance as something else risks unfolding. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 The result, according to Israeli officials, is a war that is unfolding largely out of public view. Efrat Lachter , Trey Yingst, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026 In Ukraine, Ozirna notes, there is an ongoing debate about how to portray a war that is still unfolding. Essie Assibu, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026 By noon, another event was unfolding at Clark Park in southwest Detroit. Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 28 Mar. 2026 Sarah Marlow, global head of fertiliser pricing at Argus, agreed that the unfolding crisis in the Middle East would have a bigger impact on the fertilizer trade than the Russia-Ukraine war. Chloe Taylor,sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
  • Major insulin makers Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk also have moved to cut the cost of insulin, with different combinations of cutting list prices, capping out-of-pocket costs and expanding affordability.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The golden arches is expanding its McValue offerings with an under $3 menu and a $4 breakfast meal deal starting on April 21.
    Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Through their achievements, thought leadership, and commitment to their clients and communities, these attorneys represent the future of the legal profession and continue to shape the evolving landscape of law.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • For decades, Los Choneros has exerted a profound influence over the country's escalating violence, evolving from a regional gang into a sprawling network with international reach.
    James LaPorta, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The sun is shining, the flowers and trees are blooming, and people are getting outside to enjoy long walks.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The trees and the plants are blooming.
    Lauren Whitney, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Last year, New York's Zohran Mamdani won his mayoral race after appearing on Piker's stream.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In that sense, the effort to avoid appearing wrong can weaken decision-making.
    Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His parents prospered, opening a fur shop called Paris-New York and moving to the tony Sixteenth Arrondissement.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The Harris Theater for Music and Dance has announced its 2026-27 season of dance, music and theater, its 20th anniversary season in Millennium Park, opening with a visit from the Trisha Brown Dance Company in September.
    Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Take these steps to protect comfort and keep progressing forward.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Stewart is progressing in his recovery from shoulder surgery last fall and will likely repeat the live BP sessions a few times before going out on an extended rehab assignment in the minor leagues.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The arboretum also provides its own cherry blossom map, where bloom enthusiasts can explore 75 varieties of flowering cherry trees on the arboretum's campus, about 17 miles outside of Center City Philadelphia.
    Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Warm temperatures and rain have kick-started the growth of many of our wonderful flowering trees and shrubs.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The group cites studies showing that many retailers do not pass on the full amount of the gas tax reduction to consumers.
    Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Numinous plein-air compositions, showing the patients around the institution’s grounds, assert the irresistible force of nature.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unfolding

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster