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

Utah’s mountain lion cull follows hard upon a 2023 state law that opened up year-round, mountain lion killing without requiring permits. —Ted Williams, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026

Hunter formed a bond with fellow player Eva Erickson, who opened up to the firefighter about having autism. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026

If Oettinger is available to back up DeSmith, the Stars would loan Poirier, opening up a roster spot for Bichsel. —Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026

More importantly, his overlapping interests as a basketball player, musician and student have opened up all sides of his effort. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 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)