open-ended
adjective
open-end·ed
ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd 
: not rigorously fixed: such as
a
: adaptable to the developing needs of a situation
b
: permitting or designed to permit spontaneous and unguided responses
open-endedness
noun
Examples of open-ended in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The lyrics remain open-ended and don’t necessarily contain a narrative, Tenenbaum notes.
—
Abigail Lee, Variety, 13 May 2025
Of the position groups on the roster, the secondary feels the most open-ended heading into OTAs.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
The format of Love on the Spectrum gives the series an advantage: The open-ended nature of its encounters, combined with its depictions of cast members’ growth and support systems, gets the audience invested in their dating lives on a far deeper level than most dating shows.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 May 2025
Known for its hands-on STEM and sensory toys, the company's open-ended learning tools are frequently used in schools and therapy settings alike—and with good reason.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for open-ended
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.
Abigail Lee, Variety, 13 May 2025
Of the position groups on the roster, the secondary feels the most open-ended heading into OTAs.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
The format of Love on the Spectrum gives the series an advantage: The open-ended nature of its encounters, combined with its depictions of cast members’ growth and support systems, gets the audience invested in their dating lives on a far deeper level than most dating shows.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 May 2025
Known for its hands-on STEM and sensory toys, the company's open-ended learning tools are frequently used in schools and therapy settings alike—and with good reason.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for open-ended
Cite this Entry
“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-ended. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share