open up

verb

opened up; opening up; opens up

transitive verb

1

: to make available or possible

The discovery opens up the possibility of new cures.

2

: to make plain or visible : disclose

3

: to open by cutting into

intransitive verb

1

: to become available or possible

The hostess will let us know when a table opens up.

2

: to spread out or come into view

The road opens up ahead.

3

: to commence firing

4

: to become communicative

tried to get the patient to open up

Examples of open up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Messi provided more highlights in the 24th minute, beating the offside trap and collecting a long pass from Sergio Busquets and chipping the ball over Hagen’s outstretched arms to open up a 3-0 Miami lead. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 June 2025

To open up the show’s world a bit might shock viewers. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 1 June 2025

Cannabis can help release blockages in the body and mind, opening up pathways for creativity, emotional clarity, and heightened intuition. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025

By contrast, Australia was one of the first markets to open up to Chinese brands such as BYD, Geely, Chery, GWM, MG, Zeekr, Deepal, JAC, XPeng, NIO, Leapmotor and Haval and has remained arguably the world’s best test bed for Chinese cars. —Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for open up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

Kids Definition

open up

verb

1

: to make available

2

: to make visible or come into view

the road opens up ahead

3

: to begin firing (as with a weapon or with questions)