Synonyms of opens

opens

verb

present tense third-person singular of open

1

as in unlocks

to change from a closed to an open position

please open the door to let the cat out

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unlocks
• unfurls
• unfolds
• uncloses
• unfastens
• unlatches
• unzips
• unbuttons
• disengages
• slips
• unbolts
• unclasps
• unbars
• unclenches
• releases

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closes
• shuts
• locks
• fastens
• bars
• latches
• buttons (up)
• clasps
• bolts
• zips (up)

2

as in clears

to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clears
• frees
• facilitates
• smooths
• unplugs
• unclogs
• eases
• unstops
• loosens (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closes
• blocks
• stops
• plugs (up)
• clogs (up)
• hinders
• dams (up)
• impedes
• interferes (with)
• obstructs
• hampers
• constricts
• encumbers
• trammels
• barricades
• blockades

3

as in expands

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

• expands
• extends
• unfolds
• unfurls
• spreads (out)
• stretches (out)
• outstretches
• flares (out)
• fans (out)
• outspreads
• overspreads

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• closes
• folds
• contracts
• reduces
• compresses
• condenses
• compacts

4

as in frees

to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way

snowplows opened the runway without much trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clears
• frees
• unblocks
• facilitates
• smooths
• eases
• unplugs
• strips
• loosens (up)
• unclogs
• unstops
• unchokes
• unclutters

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blocks
• closes
• stops
• obstructs
• plugs
• clogs
• dams
• clutters (up)

5

as in begins

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

• begins
• commences
• starts
• launches
• creates
• falls (to)
• enters (into or upon)
• gets going
• initiates
• strikes (into)
• generates
• embarks (on or upon)
• gets off
• organizes
• originates
• sets about
• gets to
• leads off
• establishes
• adopts
• inaugurates
• kicks off
• invents
• founds
• embraces
• innovates
• spawns
• fathers
• institutes
• takes on
• takes up
• gets around (to)
• gets down (to)
• sets up
• gets round (to)
• pioneers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ends
• concludes
• terminates
• finishes
• closes
• stops
• ceases
• completes
• halts
• leaves
• quits
• discontinues
• abandons
• destroys
• lays off
• forsakes
• desists
• abolishes
• knocks off
• extinguishes
• demolishes
• exterminates
• phases out

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of opens

Unlike flip-style Razr models, this device opens outward into a tablet-like form factor built for productivity and immersive media. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026

Season 10 opens in the shadow of a devastating explosion, with the women left to pick up the pieces. —Okla Jones, Essence, 6 Jan. 2026

The fragrance opens with a zesty, fresh maracuja — or passion fruit — accord. —Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026

But when Ennis opens a new art exhibit called Mother, Guin is determined to find him. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

The front opens for cleaning once the family leaves the nest. —Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026

Get Morning Squawk directly in your inbox CNBC’s Morning Squawk recaps the biggest stories investors should know before the stock market opens, every weekday morning. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

That trip opens a stretch of four of nine on the road. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

The video opens with Ryder lounging on a plastic lounge chair, unfazed, while her muscular partner paces nearby, yelling into his phone. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2026