opened

past tense of open
1
2
3
as in expanded
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 freed
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

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 opened In December 2025, Longo opened a second ViceVersa in the lobby bar of the glamorous oceanfront Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Fort Lauderdale. Connie Ogle july 28, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026 With the help of partner Travis Bullard, Stefan Scarks and family officially opened the property in 2021. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 Eli Holstein, who opened last season as Pitt’s starter but was benched in favor of Mason Heintschel, is the backup. Antonio Morales, New York Times, 27 July 2026 Originally opened by Giuseppe Cipriani (who also opened the nearby Locanda Cipriani) back in 1956, the luxe locale is now part of the Belmond fold. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 July 2026 Markets opened on a high note on Monday as oil prices dropped. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The rookie opened the scoring in the 24th minute for Louisville (3-10-3) after midfielder Katie O’Kane’s long-range effort bounced through Angel City’s penalty area. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 For more than three decades, Dickies produced Big Tex’s uniform out of the original Dickies plant that opened in Fort Worth at 509 West Vickery Blvd. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026 Meadow Plaza Shopping Center, which first opened in 1959, has long served as a neighborhood go-to spot for daily necessities. Alexandra Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opened
Verb
  • Units must be kept open for three days — doors unlocked and we are supposed to supply the keys to our units.
    Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 31 July 2026
  • The North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said in a letter Tuesday that up to $300 million in community investments could be unlocked if the controversial project is restored.
    DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The airport says the Denver Police Department Bomb Squad checked the unattended luggage and later cleared the bag.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the decades, a variety of businesses came and went before the lot was cleared in 2023 to make way for the construction of the Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Beijing in recent years has rapidly expanded mandates for schools in ethnic minority regions to adopt primarily Chinese-language education, starting from kindergarten.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Broadcom expanded a multiyear partnership with Meta Platforms earlier this year to develop successive generations of custom AI accelerator chips, supporting the Instagram and WhatsApp parent's growing AI infrastructure.
    Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In one instance, Moreno alleged that Miller, 37, began verbally harassing one of her attorneys following a court hearing in May 2026.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • The financial institution which began expanding its footprint in the region a few years ago, is planning to open branches in the Berewick neighborhood of southwest Charlotte at 9424 Steele Creek Road and at 8830 Lindholm Drive in Huntersville.
    Chase Jordan July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • While the reunification talks are still in the early stages, the two organizations said the Governors of the Television Academy have extended their terms by one year to oversee as much of the deliberation as possible.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 July 2026
  • The deadline to finalize critical habitat was extended by one year and expired in 2025.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • And so commenced a literally explosive weekend of celebrations across the five boroughs, which culminated in a ticker-tape parade on June 18 to City Hall.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 23 July 2026
  • Work commenced on the record three months after Drewchin welcomed the arrival of her first child, Nova, a period in which she was consumed with the reality and potentialities of being a new parent.
    Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Quixotic aerialists twisted, turned and unfolded above the crowd, using flowing fabric and butterfly-inspired movements to mirror the creatures being celebrated.
    Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Thaw the dough just until it can be unfolded, then immediately cut.
    Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Work that once required specialized support can now be started by almost anyone with a prompt.
    Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The little church launched a big capital campaign and donations started pouring in locally and from places as far away as Australia, Rozelle said.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Opened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opened. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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