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
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
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
-
Jackson is also considering expanding her part-time interior decorating business.—
Barbara Bry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Wood was recognized for her leadership in creating and expanding the district’s TRACprogram—Teamwork, Regulation, Acceptance, and Community.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025
-
How have your partnerships — romantic, professional, or otherwise — been evolving?—
Colin Bedell,
Them,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The most dramatic of these was when he was hit in the face by a plastic bottle thrown by a spectator, staying upright and appearing unaffected.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Born in South Dakota on May 11, 1970, Katt began as a child actor, appearing on episodes of such TV shows as CHiPs, Father Murphy, Code Red, Herbie, the Love Bug, Voyagers!—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In addition, the company operates a café at the airport in Geneva selling food and notebooks, and will be opening others in Paris and Hong Kong.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The bodices have had to be adjusted for the dancer’s towering figure of 6 feet, 2 inches by opening the back or elongating the shoulders.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 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
-
Guys weren't expecting to have to do another rebuild this year and their frustration is really showing after the trade a week before training camp has left the team, again, with some odd fitting parts that have to be fitted together on the fly.—
John Hollinger,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
-
The survey results reiterated prior consumer polls showing the importance of various options.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
WWD,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
What matters is that Dan Hurley’s team won, extending its tournament winning streak to 13 games — and, most importantly, keeping alive its dream of a three-peat.—
Brendan Marks,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Next up is the challenge of extending the momentum instead of letting the pendulum swing back wildly again.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
On the positive side, the increase in applications from students of color and the growing diversity of the applicant pool are encouraging signs of progress toward more significant equity in higher education.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
-
There’s nothing quite as rewarding in gardening as growing a plant from seed.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share