Entry Word: open

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 allowing passage without obstruction <thank you for clearing out the hallway so that it's open again>

Synonyms clear, cleared, free, unclogged, unclosed, unobstructed, unstopped

Related Words emptied, unoccupied, vacant; exposed, revealed; gaping, wide, yawning; unbarred, unbolted, unclasped, unfastened, unlatched, unlocked, unsealed; unbuttoned, unclenched, unfolded, unfurled, unzipped

Near Antonyms constricted, cramped, encumbered, hampered, hindered, impeded, interfered (with), trammeled; barricaded, blockaded, dammed

Antonyms blocked, clogged, closed, jammed, obstructed, plugged, shut, stopped, stuffed, uncleared

2 freely available for use or participation by all <the beach's open sand castle-building contest that every year attracts competitors of all ages and abilities>

Synonyms free-for-all, public, unrestricted

Related Words collective, common, communal, shared; accessible, available, free; unregulated

Near Antonyms limited; inaccessible, unavailable

Antonyms closed, exclusive, off-limits, private, restricted

3 being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm <the countryʼs open to invasion if its borders remain unguarded> — see liable 1
4 free in expressing oneʼs true feelings and opinions <a talkative and open child who tells people more than they want to know> — see frank
5 lacking a usual or natural covering <open wounds in his legs> — see naked 2
6 not known by only a select few <the two boxers have an open dislike for each other> — see public 1
7 not yet settled or decided <that issue will have to remain open until the supervisor can decide> — see pending 1
8 willing to consider new or different ideas <she is always open and ready to listen to anyone's suggestions> — see open-minded 1