open (someone or something) to (someone or something)
idiom
1
: to allow (a particular group of people) to enter, use, or participate in (something)
He opens his home to anyone who needs a place to stay.
This year, we've opened the contest to all children under the age of 16.
2
: to cause or allow (someone or something) to be affected by (something bad, such as criticism)
Their actions have opened the government to charges of corruption.
By being secretive about her past, she opens herself (up) to political attacks.
Examples of open (someone or something) to (someone or something) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These two areas are open to each other but are delineated by decorative columns.
—
James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
Because Democrats have a vast voter registration advantage here, the party’s primary, only open to its members, is often the low-turnout contest that really counts.
—Harry Siegel, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
The workplace survey is open to any organization with 35 or more employees in Orange County (public, private, nonprofit, government).
—Staff Report, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
Despite the dramatic and sometimes dangerous terrain, the hike is classified as easy and beginner-friendly, and is open to travelers aged 8 and up.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for open (someone or something) to (someone or something)
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James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
Because Democrats have a vast voter registration advantage here, the party’s primary, only open to its members, is often the low-turnout contest that really counts.
—Harry Siegel, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
The workplace survey is open to any organization with 35 or more employees in Orange County (public, private, nonprofit, government).
—Staff Report, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
Despite the dramatic and sometimes dangerous terrain, the hike is classified as easy and beginner-friendly, and is open to travelers aged 8 and up.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for open (someone or something) to (someone or something)
Cite this Entry
“Open (someone or something) to (someone or something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20to%20%28someone%20or%20something%29. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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