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

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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
Among the other nominees was DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, which had a successful premiere at TIFF and opened to critical acclaim. Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 21 May 2025 Inquiring minds want to know whether this move to open the primaries is pure opportunism or a genuine desire to fight for the inclusion of Florida’s four million independents. John Opdycke, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025
Adjective
The chatbot-style addition to the company’s search engine results page is designed to answer longer queries and uses Google’s AI model to generate full responses based on—and linking back to—indexed websites on the open web. Reece Rogers, Wired News, 20 May 2025 The Walker Park Splash Pad and Gulley Park Interactive Fountain open for the 2025 summer season this weekend, according to a news release from the city. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2025
Noun
The next morning, their secrets fully out in the open, Dina opens up to Ellie about how difficult coming to terms with her bisexuality was for her. Abby Monteil, Them., 5 May 2025 The monthly jobs report is due Friday before the open. Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • The launch of a new radio station and the continued growth of STV Player enable us to unlock exciting new opportunities for our customers.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 May 2025
  • Brands and buyers now operate from a single source of truth — unlocking faster decisions, better outcomes and a better customer experience.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Issa's bill has cleared the House, while Grassley's has yet to advance.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Minutes later, after Barcelona failed to clear a corner, Mead released Blackstenius with a clever reverse pass and the Swede steered the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Wirtz’s potency in the final third would attract attention and could free up Pep Guardiola’s talented front line.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • The men were freed after prosecutors agreed to vacate their convictions in 2014.
    Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 16 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
  • The review comes after President Donald Trump criticized the alleged 'weaponization' of prosecutions of public officials including him.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Numerous public meetings and events in the area that had been scheduled for Monday afternoon or evening were postponed.
    Miceala Morano, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the program which pays for more than four of every 10 U.S. births is vulnerable to deep budget cuts — part of the cost of renewing Trump’s tax breaks that favor the wealthy.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
  • Even worse, cucurbit plants are vulnerable to many of the same disease problems, and can attract more pests to your watermelon plants.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Comforting touch should be honest and clear – not ambiguous, not tentative and never assumed.
    Brian N. Chin, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
  • The African American mom, who is married to Polish Canadian Peter Gerber, told Newsweek that their approach to parenting is honest and intentional.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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