open 1 of 3

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

open

2 of 3

adjective

1
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
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9

open

3 of 3

noun

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective open contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of open are exposed, liable, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When could exposed be used to replace open?

The words exposed and open can be used in similar contexts, but exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of open?

While in some cases nearly identical to open, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When would prone be a good substitute for open?

While the synonyms prone and open are close in meaning, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When might sensitive be a better fit than open?

The words sensitive and open are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than open?

In some situations, the words subject and open are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When is it sensible to use susceptible instead of open?

The meanings of susceptible and open largely overlap; however, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

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
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
  • 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
  • Apply now, and unlock a special discount on the application fee by using code INDIEWIREGO.
    Rance Collins, IndieWire, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Senate Republicans can only lose three members and still clear the package, assuming full attendance and united Democratic opposition.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 30 June 2025
  • In February, it was cleared to enter Phase II to study the drug’s efficacy and side effects—this is typically the second most difficult phase where only 33% of drugs make it through.
    Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • As part of the package, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will deliver more than $275 million in grant funding to expand parking access for truck drivers nationwide.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025
  • The former carpet warehouse was already outfitted with car lifts — that Tires, Etc. location (Mr. Gerben owns several) was going to expand — and Gillis paid out of pocket to build out the rest of the set.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Protests in Israel also resumed after a two-week pause during the Israel-Iran war, with demonstrators demanding a deal that would free the hostages still in Gaza.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 30 June 2025
  • But the pending Senate bill keeps the door wide open, effectively freeing very wealthy business owners from any cap on their SALT deductions.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Thomas officially began to practice and compete with the women's swimmers in Fall 2021.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • But before the vacations begin, there is an essential logistical operation that takes place in a handful of global ports.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Jones’ company, American Sound Design, submitted about 40 invoices to the Foundation that Gatlin approved between 2019 and 2024 for services that his firm says were provided to the Jackson Health Foundation, according to financial documents obtained by the Herald through a public records request.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • Along the way, Manuel opened a small nonprofit to supply basic needs for Native foster kids that grew into a statewide cultural support service for the most vulnerable youth.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.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

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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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