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
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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
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3
as in blooming
to produce flowers the rosebud unfolded literally overnight
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4
as in appearing
to come into view the majestic landscape unfolded before us
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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 Created by Santino and Nick Kreiss (Punk’d, The Eric André Show), The Bad Game Show drops celebrities into a chaotic mix of trivia and absurd challenges, where surprise guests crash the game and nothing goes as planned, all unfolding inside Lee’s mom’s basement. —
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026 Voice messages announcing deaths are layered over static shots of an empty home, echoing her own experience of events unfolding. —Lise Pedersen, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 That shouldn’t take away from the transformation story that’s unfolding. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026 For Lacayo, that reality is still unfolding. —Alyssa Ferro-Lloret, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 Already McCue has observed an agave, a rosette shape succulent, folding and unfolding its leaves over the course of days. —Alina Hartounian, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026 The brand will unveil a collaborative project with designer Jean-Guillaume Mathiaut, unfolding as a limited edition of sculptural seats. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026 The investigation has been unfolding for months in Florida, with investigators having lined up interviews and issued subpoenas for records. —Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 The modern-day group had a fascinating unfolding dynamic between its three silverbacks—Gicurasi, Ubwuzu, and Imfura—along with strong female characters and plenty of playful infants. —Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026 Voice messages announcing deaths are layered over static shots of an empty home, echoing her own experience of events unfolding. —Lise Pedersen, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 That shouldn’t take away from the transformation story that’s unfolding. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026 For Lacayo, that reality is still unfolding. —Alyssa Ferro-Lloret, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 Already McCue has observed an agave, a rosette shape succulent, folding and unfolding its leaves over the course of days. —Alina Hartounian, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026 The brand will unveil a collaborative project with designer Jean-Guillaume Mathiaut, unfolding as a limited edition of sculptural seats. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026 The investigation has been unfolding for months in Florida, with investigators having lined up interviews and issued subpoenas for records. —Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 The modern-day group had a fascinating unfolding dynamic between its three silverbacks—Gicurasi, Ubwuzu, and Imfura—along with strong female characters and plenty of playful infants. —Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfolding
Verb
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The executive director of Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District provided a statement, saying the wharf is evolving, new businesses are opening, and the area is expanding in ways that make Fisherman's Wharf more accessible and engaging.— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
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These are jobs not created, customers not served, communities that don’t reap the benefits of expanding local business.— Walter Rowen, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
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Tan said banks are now operating in an environment where cyber risks are constant and evolving, requiring a mindset of perpetual vigilance.— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
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This means fashion brands wanting to remain relevant must tap into the evolving desires, behaviors and concerns of a consumer who’s also navigating the AI shift themselves.— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026
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In Arizona, cacti are blooming months early and the worry about water has already started, said Kathy Jacobs, director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at the University of Arizona.— Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
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Early blooming means more trees have budded out.— Alan Gionet, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
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While appearing on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live alongside The Devil Wears Prada 2 costars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, the Oscar-winning actress, 76, opened up about a potential future collaboration with her Only Murders in the Building costar Martin Short.— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
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Irving’s Astoria became an international hit, with editions appearing in Britain and Germany and France.— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
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After some spring training struggles, a season-opening assignment to Triple-A and a pair of forgettable starts, the pitcher is happy to have a scoreless start under his belt.— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
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TokyoReuters — Japan on Tuesday unveiled its biggest overhaul of defense export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.— CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
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The ongoing test campaign, which now includes multiple aircraft, is progressing rapidly.— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026
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Everyone on the operations team worked incredibly hard to keep the survey progressing with high efficiency.— Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The two-panel composition, installed in 1899 at the Second Congregational Church in Winsted, shows a lush landscape at sunset, with a cascading waterfall in the foreground, and flowering lilies and irises set against distant mountains.— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
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Ever Sapphire™ Agapanthus begins blooming in late spring—much earlier than traditional varieties—and continues flowering throughout summer.— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
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Though the arrest took place in 2023, the case faced new scrutiny in March after a video of the altercation — showing her yelling, putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing chairs at him while a child could be heard crying — was published by TMZ.— Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
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Social media users speculated that the tour’s cancellation was due to low ticket sales, with Ticketmaster seating charts in some stadiums showing very few seats sold.— Katie Simons, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/unfolding. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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