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
Despite flirtations with being a professional clarinet player, dabbling in multiple majors at UCF and an early park gig selling fish food, Polk today is executive vice president and general manager of Epic Universe, the first theme park to open in Orlando in a generation. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2025 The recommendation provides for a standard 13-week schedule, which opens on the final Thursday in August each year. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Adjective
All proceeds will support of the rebuilding of Old Fort Elementary in McDowell County, which was destroyed by Hurricane Helene and is still not open. Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025 Teams were open only to white women and light-skinned Latinas. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2025
Noun
Others are taking a stroll or picnicking on the grass, out in the open to enjoy the spring sunshine. Suhasini Raj, New York Times, 1 May 2025 The return from Chicago of Sammie’s gangster twin cousins, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), and their plan to open a juke joint force the tensions between father and son into the open, with both mortal and supernatural consequences. Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • The move also unlocks real cross-sell potential: combining FIS’s debit processing with Global’s credit capabilities.
    Nicole Casperson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • With a simple tap of the screen, the vehicle will locate level ground, park itself, deploy its stairs, unlock its doors, and even adjust the interior temperature.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Adames padded that lead in the fifth inning with the 155th home run of his career, a two-run shot that barely cleared the left-field fence and extended the Giants’ lead to 6-3.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
  • The pause sent the refugee resettlement agencies into turmoil as refugees already cleared to arrive in the U.S. received notice their flights had been cancelled.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 May 2025
  • This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The titular daughter, Marya Zaleska, is also a vampire who believes that destroying Dracula’s body will free her of her vampirism.
    James Factora, Them., 2 May 2025
  • Despite a bail request from prosecutors, the siblings were freed without bail for now, Lora on her own recognizance and her brother on supervised release.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, confirmed day 15 of the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • After an ear-splitting sound, the wind began to calm.
    Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, the pair seemingly met at a birthday party for Blake Lively's daughter a month before their romance went public.
    Glamour, Glamour, 4 May 2025
  • Trapezoids in space All of these milestones occurred out of public view, a policy of secrecy similar to the launch of a clandestine military spy satellite.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • They are expected to receive $86 million more in the coming years — potentially leaving more than half of the state's uncapped wells more vulnerable to incidents like the current spill in Garden Island Bay.
    Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 5 May 2025
  • Relying too much on one leaves you vulnerable and at their mercy.
    Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The families who manage this best are the ones who acknowledge it openly, and make space for honest conversations.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • But that was less Counsell putting Brown on notice about his spot in the rotation and more so just being honest.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 3 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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