open-ended

adjective

open-end·​ed ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd How to pronounce open-ended (audio)
: 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
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.
Instead, the show closed out with a more open-ended moment for them as a pair. Alexandra Hurtado, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025 Adolescence's ending is emotional and open-ended, leaving many viewers with lingering questions about Jamie and his family's fate. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Sep. 2025 But after Minnesota’s 27-14 loss to California on Saturday, Fleck began with an open-ended question. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025 Perhaps rules could be worded more vaguely, or in a more open-ended way. Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open-ended

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-ended was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-ended. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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