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

Episode three opens with Daemon and Caraxes, flanked by Ulf on Silverwing and Hugh on Vermithor, meeting Lord Ormund Hightower’s host in an open field. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

On Sundays, Kenyon opens the gates of his homestead to kids from Cherbourg, and anyone else who wants to ride bulls. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

His counterpressing has been a major aid to the way the team plays, and Balogun’s ability to run in behind the lines and cause havoc in the box opens space and makes things easier for the attacking players around him. — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Health officials declined to identify the facilities or to specify reasons, other than saying that the long-term care industry opens facilities and increases or decreases beds based on business factors. — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026

When a thief opens an account with your SSN, birthdate and address, canceling the account only fixes part of the problem. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

The nearly two-minute teaser opens by revisiting the skepticism that greeted Oasis’ improbable reunion announcement in 2024. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 July 2026

The trailer opens with a montage of a glowing Lily (Lively) walking through Boston. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Joe Manchin opens his memoir, Dead Center, with a meeting in the White House. — Bryce Covert, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026