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
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
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
Many different factors have made the war in Gaza top of mind during the opening day of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, in a way that Jury President Alexander Payne has yet to process.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Saleen Martin, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
The student in question would become flustered and exposed, providing an opening for their subconscious to emerge.
—Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
An avid sports fan, Armani was also behind the uniforms of several soccer teams and crossed his design interest into the hospitality space, opening a line of luxury hotels.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Noun
Seeking to boost its presence, Yangwang showcased the U8L on April 23 during the opening day of the Shanghai Auto Show.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
Many different factors have made the war in Gaza top of mind during the opening day of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, in a way that Jury President Alexander Payne has yet to process.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
Although most of the locations Aldi recently announced are in Florida, those opening in September include stores in Alabama, Louisiana, Maryland and Mississippi.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
The student in question would become flustered and exposed, providing an opening for their subconscious to emerge.
—Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
His historic trial in Fort Pierce federal court gets underway on Monday with jury selection, followed by opening statements on Thursday.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
An avid sports fan, Armani was also behind the uniforms of several soccer teams and crossed his design interest into the hospitality space, opening a line of luxury hotels.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opening
Noun
-
The company is where the customer pain is sharpest, but Lerner sees a much larger opportunity.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Look for opportunities to plug CCU into existing processes with minimal disruption.—
Peter Bendor-Samuel,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Features and technology inside Iron Beam 450 The Iron Beam 450 gets its name from its 450mm aperture, which is larger than Rafael’s previously announced laser systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The lens sometimes struggles with false colors and ghosting in flare when making images into the sun, not surprising given its large aperture.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Companies are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally held by colleges, universities, and trade schools, creating their own certification programs to address skill gaps that formal education hasn't filled.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Frustrations have been mounting among young people in Nepal over the country's unemployment and wealth gap.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Speaking of unlocking the full potential of the offense, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson needs more playing time.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
-
But unlocking a career opportunity today may take more depth than simply sharing a business card.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of the investigation for the detectives was clearing Leslie's husband of any involvement in the murder.—
Claire Lempert,
ABC News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
A couple-hundred miles east and 180 years earlier, in 1795, an Ontario farmer named John McIntosh came upon a couple dozen apple trees while clearing brush on his property.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Now the Icon Class family is expanding, with three equally hefty sister ships.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
-
An artisan pizzeria with South Beach roots is expanding across the state.—
Jason Dill,
Miami Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Fed has indeed been too late in beginning to relax monetary policy, and the bank would have known it much earlier with better BLS leadership.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
That means beginning with real underwriting and analysis, not guesswork.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
After an initial jam session to determine musical abilities and interests, participants are paired up and assigned to a counselor who manages their activities for the week.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
As other guests like Futura, Natasha Lyonne, Common and Marisa Tomei arrived at Saga after their initial experiences, and hungry for more, dinner was just getting underway for the Moon group.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opening. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share