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
Next month, the local wedding venue owner will open JP Restaurant and Lounge in the former Sarto’s space in Jefferson Park. Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025 Bodyguard of Lies, an investigation into the United States’ bloody, costly, and ultimately futile war in Afghanistan, will open theatrically for a limited run in New York on September 12, before bowing on the Paramount+ platform on Sept. 23. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Strickland wants to see the Corps use more of the dredge material for coastal restoration projects, or take it offshore to the open Gulf, as was the practice between 1986 and 2014. Debbie Elliott, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025 Before Kunkel even left, another job title was also listed open: quality enhancement plan director. Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Dixie Hwy 110 Marketplace Drive When is Scooter's Coffee open? Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 4 Aug. 2025 Futures data points to losses at the open for European indexes, with London's FTSE 100 expected to open 0.2% lower, France's CAC 40 unchanged, Germany's DAX down 0.6%, and Italy's FTSE MIB 0.1% lower. Ganesh Rao,jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • In short, to unlock AI’s full value, the business must be ready to move.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • His strength could unlock new fronts when the Patriots deploy heavy personnel or want to kick him inside as an interior rusher in subpackages.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • When the funds never cleared, victims often contacted Kingston and Turner repeatedly, but were either never paid or received money only after filing lawsuits or contacting law enforcement, authorities said.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Nonprofit outreach workers helped residents clear their belongings.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the near term, Baxter said the brand will expand its lightweight and cooling platforms to increase penetration in southern climates.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
  • However, the company opened its first cafe in New York City in 2021 and has since expanded to four locations, two in New York and two in California.
    Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Using his electric superpower, Fester causes an explosion that frees the L.O.I.S. subjects from their cells.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The pod design also frees up space in the engine compartment to store and launch a tender.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Yankees’ losing streak began after a busy July 31 trade deadline that was supposed to reinvigorate the slumping ballclub.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
  • In his rantings and ravings, all of which began only minutes after the report was released, Trump accused McEntarfer of two things: bad reporting and political motivation.
    Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Reporter Julie Hinds shares more on the future of public programming in this story.
    Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The chief's association said the goal of the roundtable is to review the impact of current bail reform policies, promoting consistent sentencing and building transparency and public confidence in the judicial system.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Light: Some investors worry mid-caps are more vulnerable to market volatility.
    Larry Light, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Pregnant people are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposure and women are disproportionately exposed to toxic compounds, including through beauty and menstrual products.
    Lisa Song, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Creatively, the book features specific talking points to spark transparent and honest conversations.
    Essence, Essence, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The project intends to empower Californians to engage in honest discussions, according to its mission statement.
    Amelia Wu, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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