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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opened
Crochet opened the fifth at 60 pitches and got two quick strikeouts before leadoff man Jahmai Jones’ solo homer gave Detroit a 2-1 lead.
—
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
This is not the first time Denver Book Society owner Rich Garvin has been involved in a disagreement over the new store’s name – a book swap organization started in 2022 called the Denver Book Swap Society also shared concerns about the similar names before Garvin’s store opened in February.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Last May, the DOJ opened a civil rights investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office in light of a directive for its prosecutors to consider race when negotiating plea deals with criminal defendants.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026
Gunboat diplomacy Two gunboats from Iran's Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the strait, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said Saturday.
—Azhar Sukri,terri Cullen,spencer Kimball, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
The two large firehouse doors facing Whipple have been replaced with large glass windows, one of which can be opened to the small exterior plaza at the front that provides a ramped entry and space for gathering in nicer weather.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
This family-run gallery opened in 1961, the same year that once-wild Nags Head officially became a town.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
The teams were in a scoreless tie when Freddy Fermin and Jake Cronenworth opened the eighth with four-pitch walks off Ryan Zeferjahn (1-1).
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
On stage, Higher Ground is co-producing the Broadway revival of David Auburn’s Proof, starring Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle, which opened on Thursday.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
This is not the first time Denver Book Society owner Rich Garvin has been involved in a disagreement over the new store’s name – a book swap organization started in 2022 called the Denver Book Swap Society also shared concerns about the similar names before Garvin’s store opened in February.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Last May, the DOJ opened a civil rights investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office in light of a directive for its prosecutors to consider race when negotiating plea deals with criminal defendants.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026
Gunboat diplomacy Two gunboats from Iran's Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the strait, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said Saturday.
—Azhar Sukri,terri Cullen,spencer Kimball, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
The two large firehouse doors facing Whipple have been replaced with large glass windows, one of which can be opened to the small exterior plaza at the front that provides a ramped entry and space for gathering in nicer weather.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
This family-run gallery opened in 1961, the same year that once-wild Nags Head officially became a town.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
The teams were in a scoreless tie when Freddy Fermin and Jake Cronenworth opened the eighth with four-pitch walks off Ryan Zeferjahn (1-1).
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
On stage, Higher Ground is co-producing the Broadway revival of David Auburn’s Proof, starring Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle, which opened on Thursday.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opened
Verb
-
But the Nuggets have finally unlocked their late-game flow across this 12-game winning streak, and are ready for revenge in Minnesota.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
17 Apr. 2026
-
While there still is more to be unlocked, the possibility of emerging as the Heat’s starting point guard of the future is not a stretch.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Murakami cleared the center field batter’s eye for his first major-league slam.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The Foreign Office, which oversees diplomatic appointments, cleared him anyway.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Most eateries have expanded outdoor seating.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The candy’s original logo had three balloons to represent Airheads' first three flavors — cherry, watermelon and strawberry — but as the company expanded the varieties, it was changed to a balloon mascot, known as Oscar.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Across forty-five years, my course began that way.—
John McPhee,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
No tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz today, according to tracking data, making Sunday one of the quietest days in the waterway since the conflict began.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On the licensing and consumer products side, the brand has extended across toys, publishing, digital products and lifestyle categories.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The Wild lease, which runs out in 2035, would be extended another 30 years under the renovation plan, alongside the city’s half-cent sales tax, which covers certain arena maintenance costs.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Netflix also shared other casting info as the shoot commenced.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Additionally, a barely visible scar on her forehead was left from falling asleep in the well as drilling commenced.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Some passengers took to social media, describing long delays, limited updates and worsening conditions onboard as the situation unfolded.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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What Elliot’s Story Is Really Showing Us Months later, the sanctuary reflected on everything that had unfolded.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Power-play push The Lightning started the game 0 for 3 on the power play, running their woeful man-advantage run to 1 for 35 over the past 12 games.—
Eduardo Encina,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Clinton has only started two WSL games and missed this camp through injury.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opened. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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