OPEN-ENDED Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

open-ended

adjective

Definition of open-ended

as in unspecified

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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-ended Sanding that motivation down into a more kid-friendly and open-ended spectacle, this adaptation doesn’t broaden Orwell’s message so much as empty it. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026 Holding back or keeping things open-ended slows momentum right now. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 Such walkouts frequently have a beginning and end date, but Local 99’s strike would be open-ended — which means school would be indefinitely closed by the three-union solidarity walkout. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Second, all events in the campaign are locked to specific car classes before first completion, which will be music to the ears of anyone who ever thought these games were too directionless and open-ended to invite any tension or purpose. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for open-ended

Recent Examples of Synonyms for open-ended

Adjective

Last week, an employee who worked at a Russian anti-plague institute died, possibly from an unspecified form of plague.

— Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
After Verity is left catatonic from an initially unspecified accident, a far less successful writer named Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson) is hired to finish Verity’s book series.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of unspecified

Adjective

The suspension up the front is a set of fully adjustable KYB 43mm USD forks, and there’s a fully adjustable KYB monoshock on the rear bolted to a single-sided swingarm.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Some keys had adjustable bits so that the shape could be altered at any time.

— Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Browse Nearby Words

opened (up)

open-ended

open-eyed

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Style

“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open-ended. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of open-ended

adjective

Example Sentences

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