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 It's been a number of weeks since a family friendly film opened wide, and with summer upon us, that makes for a majorly underserved market raring to return to theaters. —

Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 June 2026 Then, in July 2024, after sharing her family's story on TikTok, an unexpected message opened the door to a new way of keeping their mother close. —

Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 Towns said Brunson had been handed the keys to the city and opened the door for everyone who joined him. —

C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 The Cultural Center doors opened, and out walked Barack Obama smiling and looking right and left. —

Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 Now, of course, having Alphy as the vicar has opened her mind. —

Pat Saperstein, Variety, 14 June 2026 Denza has opened its first showroom in Germany. —

Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 The group alleged Saturday that one of its members was killed when police opened fire. —

ABC News, 7 June 2026 At least 12 people were shot when gunmen, possibly aiming for one another, opened fire near a summer festival in Toledo, Ohio, officials said. —

Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 7 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opened

Verb

People experiencing severe mental illness, trauma, intimidation, or fear may not feel safe enough to leave even when a door is briefly unlocked.

— Justyna Rzewinski, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
The framework also unlocked another powerful tool, Floquet engineering, a technique that uses periodic driving to manipulate interactions.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026