open-ended

adjective

open-end·​ed ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd How to pronounce open-ended (audio)
: 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 More open-ended and context-aware questions would also be valuable. Wendy Ward, STAT, 10 Apr. 2024 Loose parts are natural or synthetic materials, such as rocks or digging tools, that can be moved, combined, taken apart or put back together in multiple ways, encouraging open-ended learning. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2024 Despite their happy reunion, however, Carrie said goodbye to Aidan once more at the end of season 2, leaving their future open-ended. Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024 The most effective human questions are open-ended, curious and personal. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024 The questions about the 2020 election were open-ended, two people familiar with the questioning said. Josh Dawsey The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 28 Mar. 2024 Rainbow High Color & Create Fashion Doll These dolls inspire creative, open-ended play. Maya Polton, Parents, 24 Mar. 2024 Essentially, their biggest concerns about it are that the contract itself is very open-ended. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024 There are also robots that are controlled with coding and open-ended play, which Dr. Coxon recommends. Julie Evans, Parents, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'open-ended.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-ended was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near open-ended

Cite this Entry

“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-ended. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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