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 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

On that February day in Charleston, a staffer unlocked the committee door.

— Henry Culvyhouse, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2026
Gannan Medical University researchers in China have unlocked a way to dramatically enhance the power of salt.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of unlocked

Verb

Trump has vastly expanded ICE to ramp up deportations of immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, and the agency was a major part of last year’s law-enforcement surge in the Chicago area known as Operation Midway Blitz.

— Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Open Doors Foundation, which began operations in 2025 and quickly expanded before running into zoning and code issues at multiple properties this year, has sought to remain open at 3221 Independence Avenue, its original location.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of expanded

Verb

The latest push to end the practice began in June after an 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died after jumping from a runaway carriage.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Trump’s push to rename geographic landmarks began on his first day back in office.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of began

Verb

The Biden administration subsequently extended the designation, most recently in January 2025, when DHS authorized an additional 18 months of protection through October 2026.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The next sheriff’s election will not be held until 2028 because of a change in state law that extended his term from four years to six.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 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

My accommodations unfolded in a graceful series of rooms with couches, a four-poster bed, and a dual-vanity bathroom.

— Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Few people passing through today would have any reason to remember the long-ago tragedy that unfolded here.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of unfolded

Verb

Melanie Lawrence, a 68-year-old independent, worries about wells going dry in her area near Willcox, where the groundwater grew so depleted that the land started to crack.

— Hannah Knowles The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Once the animals had learned to associate each of the six scents with a particular reward location, researchers started swapping the scent-location pairs.

— Sean Mccabe, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026