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

Fort Worth house The episode opens with Kyle (Thad Luckinbill) interrogating Oleksandra (Elizaveta Neretin) about the attack at Joe’s house. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026

As Dollywood opens its latest attraction, NightFlight Expedition, Dolly Parton is contending with ongoing health issues. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026

The entrance opens onto the living room, which contains a sofa and space for a TV and/or some cabinetry to be installed. — New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026

When the cashier opens the register, the suspect pulls out a knife, reaches over the counter, grabs the cash, and runs off. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Giannis Lift in Heat schedule, Dolphins exhibition opener, Team Messi knocked from Leagues Cup, Marlins, Lakers, FedEx Cup playoffs, Jayden Daniels’ beef, Premier League opens and more. — Greg Cote august 16, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

The three-game preseason schedule opens Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

The tailgate incorporates an aerodynamic wing and opens onto a 170-liter trunk. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Laugh Floor show at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, will shutter when Monstropolis opens, so the Glob (a play on Shakespeare’s Globe) could be the home of a replacement still starring the movie’s dynamic duo. — Mackenzie Schmidt, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026