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

Abel opens the wallet Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO Greg Abel, who took over from Buffett at the start of the year, appears determined to put the record cash hoard amassed by Warren Buffett to work on buybacks and stock purchases. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

This is strong energy for teaching, writing, planning a trip, or sharing a perspective that opens the room. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

Anyway, Mullins opens the meeting by dangling the promise of a near-future desk job in front of Joe. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2026

The English singer-songwriter’s new set opens with 78,000 equivalent units moved in its first seven days of availability. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Reading it immediately quells, or at least quelled my own, paranoia at being alone in the middle of the forest—nobody is getting got here, there’s a gate that only opens if the concierge approves of your face, voice, and name. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Zero-click attacks are subtle and can compromise a device by simply sending a message, even if the user never opens it. — Kim Key, PC Magazine, 8 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