open-ended

adjective

open-end·​ed ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd 

: not rigorously fixed: such as

a

: adaptable to the developing needs of a situation

b

: permitting or designed to permit spontaneous and unguided responses

open-endedness noun

Examples of open-ended in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the point is, the games didn’t end anyway, so all of this was pointless and just left open-ended for more seasons someday or spin-offs. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

While the open-ended side of a wrench can’t ratchet, the wrench does something similar with its extra notches. —Gabriel Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025

The limited-edition concept, called Spear 50, is an interpretation of the Spear silhouette in a bolder, open-ended cuff with precious stone tips and precious metals. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 June 2025

Whatever your own reaction, the open-ended nature of Serra’s approach flies in the face of what people have been conditioned to expect from today’s non-fiction cinema, much of which exists to challenge the audience for their provincialism while flattering them for their empathy. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for open-ended

• apprehended
• comprehended
• condescended
• recommended
• resuspended
• unamended
• unattended
• undefended
• undescended
• unexpended
• unintended
• amended