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

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Relevance

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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 Prosecutors said that soon afterward, law enforcement detained both defendants and opened a duffle bag Olvera had carried. — City News Service, Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 Sky forward-center Azura Stevens opened the team’s press availability, saying that security handled a fan incident and that the team was going to focus on the game. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Mission Viejo 1-0 (69) The Diablos opened the season with a 55-17 rout of visiting Chaparral. — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026 Dick’s opened its first House of Sport experiential doors in 2021. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Granada Hills Kennedy opened with a 42-14 win over Eagle Rock. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Local authorities opened temporary shelters, and the public school district for Washoe County canceled classes. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, which opened to the public in 1881 and was declared a national historic landmark in 1971, closed for renovations in 2004 before reopening this past summer. — News Desk, Artforum, 24 Aug. 2026 Located on the East Side of Manhattan, the 15-screen theater, including an IMAX auditorium, first opened in 1999. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opened

Verb

While the long ball had been the key to the Dodgers’ earlier offensive success Wednesday, keeping it simple unlocked their 10th-inning push.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
The Japanese government has unlocked billions of dollars in subsidies for its domestic chip sector.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of unlocked

Verb

Approximately 1,000 homes were threatened, and evacuations have expanded, according to an earlier update from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.

— Jenna Harrison, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have expanded such routes to export their oil via ports in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of expanded

Verb

The recovery ended a search that began on July 31 after the expedition, led by renowned climber Nirmal Purja, was swept away by an avalanche on Broad Peak.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
According to a new study published in Geology, the massive escarpment formed around 800 million to 750 million years ago as the ancient supercontinent Rodinia began to break apart.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of began

Verb

And, as pointed out by DC bar news website Barred In DC, alcohol sales on the National Mall have extended well past Freedom 250 events.

— Mike Stunson, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
Due to the number of comments and requests from community members, the air district extended the period twice to allow for additional public input.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of extended

Verb

The president was discussing how Democrats want to impeach him when the incident unfolded.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026
The jury was listening intently and looking at the screen as the story of the shooting unfolded, more engaged after already listening to hours of the recording.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfolded

Verb

The duration of Kyrgios’ ban will depend in part on whether he is found to have deliberately taken the drug, and in part on whether the incident happened before the tournament started.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Perez says Atlantic City was becoming a popular summer resort, and the idea for the first wooden walkway all started with keeping sand out of railroad cars and hotels.

— Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026