open 1 of 3

1
as in to unlock
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 to clear
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 to expand
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 to free
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

open

2 of 3

adjective

1
2
as in public
freely available for use or participation by all the lanes at the bowling alley will be open during the afternoon, but will be available only for league play in the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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9

open

3 of 3

noun

as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation a daguerreotype of a cowboy whose face is roughened from a hard life in the open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective open contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of open are exposed, liable, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When could exposed be used to replace open?

The words exposed and open can be used in similar contexts, but exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of open?

While in some cases nearly identical to open, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When would prone be a good substitute for open?

While the synonyms prone and open are close in meaning, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When might sensitive be a better fit than open?

The words sensitive and open are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than open?

In some situations, the words subject and open are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When is it sensible to use susceptible instead of open?

The meanings of susceptible and open largely overlap; however, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

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 open
Verb
Oil market dynamics have opened a window for OPEC+ to claw back market share lost to US shale, investors and experts said on the sidelines of a Gulf energy conference, with expectations growing that the group will increase supply despite short-term price pressure. semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025 During the upcoming 100th anniversary of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s death, his surrealist masterpiece, Casa Batlló, will open a new exhibition space. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Republicans, aware of that history, are trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, leaving the door open to discuss the health care issue with Democrats later — once the government has reopened. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025 While the deals are open to everyone, Prime members get the best prices, plus complimentary two-day shipping. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
Some advocates say the plan to keep the NPS open is essential to support communities that rely on the parks. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 Stoptime and many of its underground peers perform out in the open despite the threat of prison. Anna Nemtsova, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • Some, like Cisco, ranked fifth on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For – Europe list, are instead trying to use the technology to unlock employee potential—and give them back their time.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • There’s still time to sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime to access every deal and unlock other perks.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Primeau can’t go down to the Marlies without clearing waivers, and Hildeby can, which means it’ll very likely be Primeau getting the start when Toronto has its first back-to-back early next week.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • This action starts the process of clearing toxic species, which restores the blood vessels’ natural role as an effective waste-clearing pathway.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The nursery did well, so Kids Planet began to expand.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The team plans to expand the research to evaluate inhaler emissions in specific patient groups, such as Medicaid recipients, and to compare clinical outcomes of low- and high-emission inhalers in the same therapeutic class.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This frees up invaluable human time to shape creative ideas and make strategic decisions on where audiences are most likely to engage.
    Derya Matras, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Addressing my trauma really is freeing.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s where the adjustments will begin for the Mercury as the series flips back to Phoenix for Wednesday’s Game 3.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • If a permit is granted, Conway estimated construction on the plant could begin in the early 2030s, and the plant could come online in 2038 or 2039.
    Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Internationally celebrated visual artist and former Detroiter Nick Cave returned to Michigan this week for the unveiling of his first permanent public outdoor sculpture, at Grand Rapids’ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Real change happens when clinicians in this industry show up to engage with community, policy, research translation and public perception.
    Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Patrick Mahomes and the reigning AFC champion Chiefs look more vulnerable than in years past and are just 2-2 entering Monday night’s game against the Jaguars.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The people who are most vulnerable to the hard-to-breathe air that comes with climate change may inadvertently be adding to the problem, new research finds.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Anonymity also allows the scouts to be completely honest, without fear of reprisals.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • At the time, the Times responded by affirming a commitment to honest dialogue and mutual respect among colleagues.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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