OPENING Synonyms: 244 Similar and Opposite Words

opening 1 of 3

noun

ˈōp-niŋ

as in opportunity

a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place the talk show host's usual modus operandi is to talk over his guests, thereby denying them an opening to articulate their positions

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Relevance

as in aperture

a place in a surface allowing passage into or through a thing an opening in the roof is letting rain drip inside

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as in gap

an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) the rabbit found a little opening in the bushes and darted through

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opening

2 of 3

adjective

as in initial

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Dissimilar Words

opening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of open

as in unlocking

to change from a closed to an open position please open the door to let the cat out

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as in clearing

to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair

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as in expanding

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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as in freeing

to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way snowplows opened the runway without much trouble

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as in beginning

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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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of opening

Noun

There's been a big focus on Washington landmarks in recent months, but this weekend marks the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. —

CBS News, 21 June 2026 While Matthew Belloni’s post reflects a drop in Supergirl’s already-low opening projections, making the release even more challenging for the superhero film is the positioning of its release. —

Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Adjective

Menu details and a re-opening timeline are coming soon. —

Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 Earlier this week, reports emerged that the pavilion will be accessible to the public only during the Biennale’s pre-opening vernissage (May 5–8), seemingly in compliance with international sanctions against Moscow. —

Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Verb

Cristiano Ronaldo was virtually invisible in Portugal's opening World Cup match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. —

Russell Lewis, NPR, 23 June 2026 In 2008, the East Tennessee native suffered a painful injury when his right foot became trapped in a hidden stage elevator while opening a concert at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, according to Pollstar. —

Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for opening

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opening

Noun

After coming close on numerous attacking opportunities in the first, the Real Madrid star put England ahead for the good in the opening moments of the second.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
The special edition of the Historian Passport was supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, with the goal of offering Californians the opportunity to explore the state's rich and complex history.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 June 2026