open-ended

adjective

open-end·​ed ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd How to pronounce open-ended (audio)
Synonyms of open-endednext
: 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
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.
The fun shapes encourage creativity and open-ended play as kids explore basic geometry concepts and practice fine motor skills. Hildara Araya, Parents, 4 Dec. 2025 Using coloring, fashion design, and card-making, these toys foster creativity and open-ended play. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 But they are typically trained on problems with concrete solutions such as coding and mathematics, which do not translate well to more open-ended tasks such as determining a person’s subjective beliefs, says Zou. IEEE Spectrum, 2 Dec. 2025 This month, 92% of union workers voted to authorize an open-ended unfair labor practices strike ahead of the holiday season. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open-ended

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-ended. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

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