Synonyms of opened

opened

verb

past tense of open

1

as in unlocked

to change from a closed to an open position

please open the door to let the cat out

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unlocked
• unclosed
• unfurled
• unfolded
• slipped
• unfastened
• unzipped
• unlatched
• unbuttoned
• unbolted
• unclasped
• released
• disengaged
• unbarred
• unclenched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closed
• shut
• locked
• barred
• fastened
• bolted
• clasped
• latched
• zipped (up)
• buttoned (up)

2

as in cleared

to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions

we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cleared
• freed
• smoothed
• facilitated
• unstopped
• unplugged
• eased
• unclogged
• loosened (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closed
• stopped
• blocked
• plugged (up)
• clogged (up)
• hampered
• hindered
• impeded
• interfered (with)
• obstructed
• dammed (up)
• constricted
• encumbered
• barricaded
• blockaded
• trammeled

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

• expanded
• extended
• unfolded
• outstretched
• spread (out)
• unfurled
• stretched (out)
• flared (out)
• fanned (out)
• outspread
• overspread

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closed
• folded
• contracted
• reduced
• compressed
• condensed
• compacted

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

• cleared
• freed
• facilitated
• stripped
• unblocked
• smoothed
• eased
• unplugged
• loosened (up)
• unstopped
• unclogged
• unchoked
• uncluttered

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blocked
• closed
• stopped
• obstructed
• plugged
• clogged
• dammed
• cluttered (up)

5

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• began
• commenced
• started
• launched
• created
• fell (to)
• set about
• embarked (on or upon)
• entered (into or upon)
• initiated
• struck (into)
• got off
• got to
• generated
• originated
• got going
• led off
• kicked off
• organized
• adopted
• established
• inaugurated
• invented
• founded
• instituted
• spawned
• pioneered
• innovated
• embraced
• took up
• took on
• set up
• fathered
• got down (to)
• got around (to)
• got round (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ended
• finished
• concluded
• stopped
• terminated
• closed
• ceased
• completed
• halted
• laid off
• discontinued
• left
• quit
• abandoned
• destroyed
• desisted
• knocked off
• abolished
• demolished
• extinguished
• forsook
• phased out
• exterminated

Example Sentences

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