ˈōp-niŋ
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in unlocking
to change from a closed to an open position
please open the door to let the cat out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clearing
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions
we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in freeing
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way
snowplows opened the runway without much trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in initial
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opening
David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
For instance, by happenstance, on the opening day of IBC filmmaker Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) began continuously projecting Occupied City, his 32-hour documentary about the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam on the outside walls of the Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands’ most distinguished museum.
—David Bloom, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
The offense showed zero plan, has now totaled less than 200 yards in three of four games, punted on every possession after an opening-drive field goal and only managed nine first downs.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Who is opening the Jonas Brothers tour in Phoenix?
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Noun
All of that is just the opening salvo of the film, delivered with breakneck assurance by Anderson.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
For instance, by happenstance, on the opening day of IBC filmmaker Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) began continuously projecting Occupied City, his 32-hour documentary about the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam on the outside walls of the Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands’ most distinguished museum.
—David Bloom, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
The opening of the office was not widely publicized until after the event, and details of Patel’s meetings with local officials were released via public records.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
The offense showed zero plan, has now totaled less than 200 yards in three of four games, punted on every possession after an opening-drive field goal and only managed nine first downs.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Start by opening a 529 college savings account — a move that most of the journalists interviewed for this story made.
—Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Who is opening the Jonas Brothers tour in Phoenix?
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opening
Noun
-
Its Club Nick kids club is a supervised program for children ages four to 12, and non-motorized water sports and the opportunity to get slimed (the ultimate Nickelodeon honor) will keep everyone smiling.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
-
While Xaverian had one final opportunity late, the Golden Eagles stood strong defensively.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
It's designed for deep sky astrophotography, while also being well suited to image capture of the Sun and Moon – with its camera system built around a Sony IMX585 sensor and 50-mm aperture.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Sep. 2025
-
This month, Tapestry laid out the strategic plan that will guide it for the next three years, focusing pushing Coach toward $10 billion in sales and opening the customer aperture, targeting not just women who bought bags last year, but also women who could have.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The federal government has either shut down or experienced funding gaps 14 times since 1980.—
Kevin Breuninger,Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Adding them to your diet may help fill nutrient gaps, boost overall wellness, and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds without taking up much space on your plate.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Colorado residents can now add a state parks pass to their annual vehicle registration for $29, unlocking unlimited entry to all 42 state parks.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
-
This has intensified the search for new approaches to energy-efficient memory while unlocking fresh technological possibilities.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Given the high volume of traffic LEO is expected to have in the coming years, clearing the road of debris and junk is highly advisable.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
-
No one can accuse The Lowdown of clearing its throat.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Advocates say governments can enhance housing affordability by expanding housing vouchers and enacting stronger tenant protections.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Moving away from YouTube, Yang has his sights set on expanding his talents as a writer, director and storyteller.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By this time, Elio is beginning to confront the reality of Oliver’s eventual departure (and thus, his first experience of true heartbreak).—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
-
In addition to the Final 3 reminiscing on the season before beginning Part 1 of the HOH competition, fans will get another glimpse inside the jury house following the evictions of Kelley Jorgensen, Lauren Domingue and Keanu Soto.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Most Venezuelans in similar situations have only received the initial receipt notice, a valid document that provides protection under TPS.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The modified molecule is more easily reduced during the battery’s initial charge.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opening. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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