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

Rather than focusing first on science, the video opens with genuine reactions from eclipse observers, highlighting an experience that many describe as life-changing. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Waits also appears in Martin McDonagh’s next movie, Wild Horse Nine, which opens on November 6 and places him opposite John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, and Parker Posey. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026

The finale, which opens with Max pausing to observe a small courtesy before committing an atrocity on Crystal’s houseboat, closes with the Bowdens reaching for ordinary family life after surviving an atrocity of their own. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026

As a new international bridge opens between Detroit and Canada amid escalating trade tensions, USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes embedded with Canadian authorities to see what life is really like on our northern border. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 31 July 2026

While in a squatting position, the dancer rapidly opens and closes his bent legs while his arms are outstretched. — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026

Boston has won its past six series and opens a seven-game West Coast trip Monday in West Sacramento, Calif. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

Coverage opens with an essay written by Verducci and read by Joe Buck. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Basically, the team opens the first day of training camp by hosting a dog adoption event. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026