Synonyms of open
1
as in to unlock
to change from a closed to an open position
please open the door to let the cat out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to clear
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions
we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area
when we got too close, the cardinal opened its wings and flew to a higher branch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to free
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way
snowplows opened the runway without much trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to begin
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
we will open the proceedings tomorrow with a short ceremony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
thank you for clearing out the hallway so that it's open again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in public
freely available for use or participation by all
the lanes at the bowling alley will be open during the afternoon, but will be available only for league play in the evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in vulnerable
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm
the country's open to invasion if its borders remain unguarded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in honest
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
a talkative and open child who tells people more than they want to know
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in exposed
lacking a usual or natural covering
open wounds in his legs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in shared
not known by only a select few
the two boxers have an open dislike for each other
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in pending
not yet settled or decided
that issue will have to remain open until the supervisor can decide
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in impartial
willing to consider new or different ideas
she is always open and ready to listen to anyone's suggestions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
he's very open with his opinions, many of which are not welcome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation
a daguerreotype of a cowboy whose face is roughened from a hard life in the open
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of open
Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
According to a press release, the festival has also opened its call to artists, which invites local and international creators to submit their ideas to become part of the immersive art and light event.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
The exhibition is open to the public from Thursday through July 9 via online registration.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
Ilan Berman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Dollar General , Signet Jewelers , and Chinese smart EV maker Nio are scheduled to report earnings before Tuesday's open.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for open
Verb
The east and south faces of the building, currently solid brick, will be opened to provide windows.
—Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
According to a press release, the festival has also opened its call to artists, which invites local and international creators to submit their ideas to become part of the immersive art and light event.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Adjective
There is no cost to join the group, which is open to the public.
—Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
The exhibition is open to the public from Thursday through July 9 via online registration.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
Noun
Now that this uncomfortable reality is finally out in the open, though, the operative question becomes: what is Macron's France, and the rest of Europe, actually prepared to do about it?
—Ilan Berman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Dollar General , Signet Jewelers , and Chinese smart EV maker Nio are scheduled to report earnings before Tuesday's open.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
-
Apply now, and unlock a special discount on the application fee by using code INDIEWIREGO.—
Rance Collins,
IndieWire,
8 July 2025
-
Integrating these intelligent systems into existing SaaS platforms will unlock new levels of productivity and innovation, ensuring long-term success.—
Son Nguyen,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Skies were clear when the evacuation took place, but the ample time allowed plenty of opportunity for fest goers and staff to clear the area before storms finally arrived in the 8 p.m. hour.—
Piet Levy,
jsonline.com,
12 July 2025
-
Wavell has been writing poems to clear her mind of all the noise.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Mari said the strike has now expanded to include Teamsters in California and Washington state, and that upwards of 4,000 union members are now in the midst of a work stoppage.—
Matthew Medsger,
Boston Herald,
14 July 2025
-
Although the company is actively adapting—expanding into energy storage, changing billing models, and tweaking its supply chain—investors continue to be concerned about the pace and effectiveness of these strategic adjustments.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
The raptor stayed on top of her, even as the woman’s partner tried to free her.—
Joshua Rapp Learn,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
-
And, of course, using social media less could also free up more time for parents to spend playing with their kids.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN Money,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
James’ trial was delayed in November 2024 when attorney Harvey Steinberg withdrew from the case, just weeks before the trial was set to begin.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
-
Tim Hortons began as a single location in Canada in 1964.—
Andy Humbles,
The Tennessean,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
According to emails received through a public records request, several student tenants in 2023 and 2024 struggled with problems including flooding, discolored water, mold and asbestos.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
6 July 2025
-
There’s no more prominent public user of the f-word and others once widely seen as off limits than the president.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
These offenders swarm these vulnerable victims, usually Asian, older females.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
4 July 2025
-
Cuts to administrative and support roles impact services for seniors, non-English speakers, and other vulnerable groups, reducing their ability to access care and navigate the health system.—
Steve Brozak,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Jamie Lee Curtis got honest about her cosmetic procedures in the hopes of dissuading women from making the same mistake.—
Maria Yagoda,
People.com,
5 July 2025
-
Maybe the most important feature of actual freedom is the ability to make honest and fair criticism of your country, something which feels more and more taboo.—
Suzanne Nuyen,
NPR,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share