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

The spa The Roman-style pool opens onto a terrace with panoramic views, while the tranquil spa blends marble, bamboo, and water features into a serene retreat. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

The platform opens Relex to external systems, agents, partners, and customer teams through APIs, plugins, and other open standards, letting organizations connect existing technology and build new capabilities without replacing what already works. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

The owner’s suite opens to a private aft terrace with a lounge bar and Jacuzzi, creating an indoor-outdoor oasis that is separate from the rest of the guests. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026

Club Kid opens today in New York and Los Angeles and nationwide later this month. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026

The lot opens for live bidding November 19 and is expected to sell for the eye-popping sum of $10 million to $15 million. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026

Slowly, a door opens, revealing the shadow of Stephen, her husband. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026

Wordplay, The Crossword Column Aidan Deshong opens our solving weekend. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 6 Nov. 2026

The poem opens with Nicks describing the beauty of the early mornings, including her dog, Lily, her lamps, and her drapes. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2026