open up

verb

opened up; opening up; opens up

transitive verb

1

: to make available or possible

The discovery opens up the possibility of new cures.

2

: to make plain or visible : disclose

3

: to open by cutting into

intransitive verb

1

: to become available or possible

The hostess will let us know when a table opens up.

2

: to spread out or come into view

The road opens up ahead.

3

: to commence firing

4

: to become communicative

tried to get the patient to open up

Examples of open up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But with Giancarlo Stanton suffering a calf strain and Randal Grichuk getting designated for assignment, paths to consistent at-bats and the fourth outfielder spot recently opened up for Domínguez. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026

The announcement could set up Amazon as a major player next to UPS and FedEx, opening up its fleet of more than 100 cargo plans and a massive network of warehouses. —Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 4 May 2026

Since Schmitt can play all four infield positions, the Giants could target games to give any one of Adames, Chapman, Devers or Luis Arraez a day off to open up the DH spot for Eldridge. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 May 2026

Instead, California has the ability to open up acceptance of insurance coverage across state lines that would drive better competition and greater choice to lower costs and increase health care affordability. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for open up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

Kids Definition

open up

verb

1

: to make available

2

: to make visible or come into view

the road opens up ahead

3

: to begin firing (as with a weapon or with questions)