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

Defeat for either team could open up a spot for one of the others currently on 13 points. —Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

After nearly two decades of on-off negotiations, the deal will pave the way for India to open up its vast and guarded market to free trade with the 27-nation EU, its biggest trading partner. —CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

The sturdy grooved leaves seem tough at first but, like your back after a trip to the chiropractor, relax and open up once they’re heartily massaged. —Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Paris Hilton is opening up about her experience with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026

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)