OPENED Synonyms: 132 Similar and Opposite Words

opened

verb

past tense of open

as in unlocked

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

as in cleared

to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair

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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

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as in freed

to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way snowplows opened the runway without much trouble

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as in began

to take the first step in (a process or course of action) we will open the proceedings tomorrow with a short ceremony

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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 opened In 2009, when the meatpacking plants that gave the area its name still operated, The Standard, commissioned by hotelier Andre Balasz, opened to immediate buzz. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026 Proceedings opened this week in a case that’s shone a spotlight on Japan’s treatment of juvenile suspects. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 The mogul opened with stories from her childhood while screens behind her showed corresponding images. — Ariel Bielsky, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 Freshman running back Christian Rhodes had TD runs of 5 and 3 yards in SMU's scoring surge in the second half, which Cal (3-5, 2-3) opened with three consecutive three-and-outs. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Lashley is a local fragrance influencer who offered to help soon after Bath opened her booth. — Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 The Rams, who opened the season as the Super Bowl favorite, will arrive in Las Vegas for Sunday’s game against the Raiders with a 2-4 record and a two-game losing streak. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 Art Basel, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art fairs, opened to the public Friday, but only for the day, with the threat of unrest prompting organizers to cancel the weekend program. — Richard Engel, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026 The foundation has also supported Dell Children’s Medical Center, which opened in 2007, and the Dell Pediatric Research Institute, helping expand access to specialized children’s care and medical research in the region. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opened

Verb

This is a potent mobile with a stunningly bright display and comfy, durable design, unlocked to work with any carrier.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Researchers unlocked two major breakthroughs alongside expanding the material family tree.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of unlocked

Verb

Traylor pointed to the mayor’s Inside Safe initiative, which cleared a long-standing homeless encampment on Western Avenue at 88th Street, not far from her home.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Boise High School students were evacuated after a bomb threat Friday morning, but police cleared the school by afternoon without finding a device.

— Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of cleared

Verb

In recent weeks, however, Republicans essentially ceded the race as the battleground map expanded to places like Texas.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Connecticut has expanded the opportunities for early voting for college students this election cycle, with polling locations at each of the four state universities in addition to UConn’s Storrs campus and Fairfield University.

— Katie Servas, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of expanded

Verb

The couple began dating in 2003 after being introduced through a mutual friend, DJ Clue.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
According to a statement, Work on MALET began in 2024 after specialists at the Armaments Center’s Fuze and Mortar Divisions identified an opportunity to adapt existing ammunition for unmanned aircraft.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of began

Verb

The state expanded the tax credit from $330 million to $750 million last year, and extended the program through 2030.

— Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Connor McDavid scored a goal and extended his NHL record season-opening assists streak to 15 games, powering the Edmonton Oilers past the New York Rangers 4-1 on Sunday.

— CBS New York Team, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of extended

Verb

Jeon gave birth just before filming commenced and felt concerned about what the movie would require of her.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
The evening commenced with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as literary and fashion insiders arrived at the private members club.

— Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of commenced

Verb

In contrast to the president's rhetoric about election cheating, voting unfolded with relatively few problems.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
The shooting unfolded shortly after noon at the banking giant’s campus in Brandon, Florida, about 15 miles from Tampa, where approximately 3,200 people were working at the time, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of unfolded

Verb

Some of the cheese sticks had started to become moldy and were past the sell-by date.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
New England started the second half better, and Peyton Miller set up its go-ahead goal brilliantly, beating Gonzalo Lujan on the dribble to get around the right corner and into the penalty area before sliding a pass toward the penalty spot.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026