Synonyms of open
1
as in to unlock
to change from a closed to an open position
please open the door to let the cat out
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Relevance
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2
as in to clear
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions
we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair
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3
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area
when we got too close, the cardinal opened its wings and flew to a higher branch
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4
as in to free
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way
snowplows opened the runway without much trouble
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5
as in to begin
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
we will open the proceedings tomorrow with a short ceremony
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1
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
thank you for clearing out the hallway so that it's open again
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2
as in public
freely available for use or participation by all
the lanes at the bowling alley will be open during the afternoon, but will be available only for league play in the evening
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3
as in vulnerable
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm
the country's open to invasion if its borders remain unguarded
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4
as in honest
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
a talkative and open child who tells people more than they want to know
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5
as in exposed
lacking a usual or natural covering
open wounds in his legs
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6
as in shared
not known by only a select few
the two boxers have an open dislike for each other
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7
as in pending
not yet settled or decided
that issue will have to remain open until the supervisor can decide
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8
as in impartial
willing to consider new or different ideas
she is always open and ready to listen to anyone's suggestions
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9
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
he's very open with his opinions, many of which are not welcome
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as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation
a daguerreotype of a cowboy whose face is roughened from a hard life in the open
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of open
Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 18 June 2026
Sandlot Social softly opened this week, offering cheap drinks, beer pong, putt-putt and — perhaps most notably — 10 baseball simulators.
—Jenna Thompson
june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2026
Her laptop is open to a quote-tweet in progress.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 11 June 2026
The deeper question is the one the FTC's paper trail forces into the open.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for open
Verb
An around-the-world boat race docks at the Wharf, and a new brewery opens its doors in Shaw.
—Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 18 June 2026
Sandlot Social softly opened this week, offering cheap drinks, beer pong, putt-putt and — perhaps most notably — 10 baseball simulators.
—Jenna Thompson
june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
Adjective
Finally, at the 2023 trading deadline, there again was open bidding by the Heat when Brooklyn made Durant available, with the Suns instead winning that derby.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2026
Her laptop is open to a quote-tweet in progress.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Noun
With the window open, the prince reached out and shook his hand.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 11 June 2026
The deeper question is the one the FTC's paper trail forces into the open.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
-
That unlocked the Knicks’ offense and kicked off a 13-game winning streak, the second longest in NBA playoff history.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
-
The configuration also supports a twin-aisle cabin layout within a narrowbody aircraft class, unlocking improved passenger comfort and more efficient boarding and deplaning.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Dallas Cowboys fans can stop wondering if George Pickens will be the latest holdout or hold in for the franchise because on Tuesday, the receiver cleared the air by reporting to mandatory minicamp.—
Briana Aldridge,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
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Guest drama actress saw the cycle’s sharpest decline, falling to 51 from 77 in 2025, but there will be six nominees thanks to the Emmys‘ parity rule (guest drama actor cleared the 80-submission threshold).—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Ulbrich envisions Walker expanding his leadership role on the defense as well with Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata no longer in the building.—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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The backstory What started as a private project, owned by former TAP Air pilot Gonçalo Pessoa and wife Patrícia Trigo, has expanded over the years to become arguably the most talked about resort in Portugal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
By aligning purchases with real demand and clearing dead stock, a small business can free up cash and improve overall cash flow stability.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Additionally, many retail investors could sell Tesla stock shares to free up capital and purchase SpaceX shares.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Work is continuing to try to stabilize the Pacifica Municipal Pier, which began cracking at its base on June 4 and is now in danger of breaking off and falling into the water.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
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On-site Hawaiian cultural programming helps visitors connect with the islands' history and culture, and the complimentary Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Experience that begins with a traditional sunrise chant is not to be missed.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.—
Alex Heard,
Outside,
4 Mar. 2026
-
What counts as a cleared sidewalk?—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Foreclosure proceedings began in August 2025, and the property was later approved for a public auction, NBC Connecticut reported.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
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The death of Jameson has sparked outrage and questions across the city, prompting Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell to promise a full investigation and Mayor Karen Bass to offer a public tribute to the dog.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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Much of his speech and remarks from other officials speaking at the convention Friday focused on party unity after a bruising primary season, where Democrats are hoping to capitalize on what could be a vulnerable year for Republicans.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
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Is the balance sheet built to absorb volatility or vulnerable to it?—
Richard Polgar,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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