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
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
Ikea also plans to open 58 new stores globally during fiscal year 2025 ending in August, with its first outlet in Seoul — fifth in South Korea — up and running since April.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
This tool is fully open source, so developers can inspect the code and help to improve it.
—ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 June 2025
Best for Most People Amazon Eero 7 $350 $280
$158
The Eero 7 routers are small, unobtrusive, shiny white boxes best placed in the open.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for open
Verb
The grocery store is expanding at breakneck speed in the U.S. and recently announced plans to open 225 new locations in 2025.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
Ikea also plans to open 58 new stores globally during fiscal year 2025 ending in August, with its first outlet in Seoul — fifth in South Korea — up and running since April.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Adjective
The Beach at Lake Viridian, which was previously open to the public, was initially closed on May 30 after Arlington police were called to clear 300 teenagers from the area, according to an earlier statement from the board.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
This tool is fully open source, so developers can inspect the code and help to improve it.
—ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Noun
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
Best for Most People Amazon Eero 7 $350 $280
$158
The Eero 7 routers are small, unobtrusive, shiny white boxes best placed in the open.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
-
Treat The Private Cloud As A Platform—Not A Project: Treating the private cloud as a platform is essential for unlocking its full potential, fostering continuous innovation and agility for the entire organization.—
Pankaj Gupta,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
Scammers often claim that the cards are needed to cover fees, unlock a prize or verify your identity.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
On June 13, Mr. Trump cleared the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel.—
Paula Cohen,
CBS News,
18 June 2025
-
Earlier this month he was medically cleared to resume exercising and driving again.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
Most significantly, 62% say their responsibilities have expanded significantly beyond their core reporting roles, with 37% reporting layoffs or buyouts at their organizations in the past year.—
Lilian Raji,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
-
Hackers over the years have expanded their target list to include cities and municipalities, hospitals, hotels and casinos, as reported by CBS News' 60 Minutes.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
Short of the savings being placed in a much bigger coffee can, government spending cuts born of efficiency, headcount reduction, mandate reduction, or all three would have just freed up money for Congress to spend in new ways.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
-
But oddly enough, writing something so generic was the freeing element to all of our problems.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
De Los Reyes began working for Elite Security as a bag-checker at Petco Park during the 2007-08 baseball season.—
Jan Goldsmith,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 June 2025
-
The Dodgers initially declined to make any public comment when the raids first began.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
The two are rarely spotted together, making their public debut in 2024 at the British Grand Prix.—
Emily Trainham,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
-
The status quo, where vast tracts remain available only for low-fee grazing, utilities, or recreation, locks in modest public returns.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Without proper documentation and preparation, families face difficult decisions during medical emergencies, potential exploitation of vulnerable members, and devastating conflicts that can create lasting family rifts.—
Matthew F. Erskine,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
Avoid direct sun exposure: Protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
My advice is to conduct an honest assessment of your team's capabilities relative to migration requirements.—
AJ Bubb,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
What is your secret to remaining an innovator in your field? To be honest, I get inspired.—
Nigel Smith,
People.com,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share