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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opens
The show, a sort of elegy for Gen X, opens with a flash-forward to July 16, 1999, the final hours of Carolyn and John.
—
Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
When Tulah opens later this year, stays will cost up to $2,700 per person per night, inclusive of all treatments and meals.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
This summer bloomer opens each flower for one day only.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Upstairs, the dining room opens into deep blue walls, heavy and soft with deliberate shadows.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana opens with a provocation coyly disguised as serenity.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
The film opens in Europe next week following its Berlinale premiere.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Hoshinoya Nara Prison, Japan A night in prison will take on a whole new meaning when Hoshino Resorts opens its latest property in the converted Nara Prison in April.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Because of the bed’s formation—the desk opens to the middle of the room rather than beneath the bed’s frame—this piece of furniture does require more square footage than a typical lofted bed.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
When Tulah opens later this year, stays will cost up to $2,700 per person per night, inclusive of all treatments and meals.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
This summer bloomer opens each flower for one day only.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Upstairs, the dining room opens into deep blue walls, heavy and soft with deliberate shadows.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana opens with a provocation coyly disguised as serenity.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
The film opens in Europe next week following its Berlinale premiere.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Hoshinoya Nara Prison, Japan A night in prison will take on a whole new meaning when Hoshino Resorts opens its latest property in the converted Nara Prison in April.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Because of the bed’s formation—the desk opens to the middle of the room rather than beneath the bed’s frame—this piece of furniture does require more square footage than a typical lofted bed.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opens
Verb
-
Our expert take The Citi Strata Premier® Card has competitive rewards rates and unlocks access to all of the Citi ThankYou® transfer partners, which boosts the value of your points.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
-
De Bonis unlocks unparalleled entry to destinations like La Scala and Santa Maria della Grazie, the site of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.—
Elycia Rubin,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At the top, Prevc adjusts her goggles, clears her head with a small shake and pushes off.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Once the fog clears, Monday will be sunny with a high near 75 degrees.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The love expands, the circle widens, the tradition shifts.—
Natasha Pickowicz,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Last month, Illinois took a major step forward with the signing of the Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), a bipartisan law that expands opportunity and strengthens Illinois’ economy.—
Curtis Reed,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As for that Lucy and Stephen ending, Oppenheimer previously explained in her deep dive with THR on the finale that the moment when Stephen abandons Lucy at the gas station is ultimately what frees her from their relationship, and Van Patten agrees.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Feb. 2026
-
That will frees up Hoffman to focus on CEO responsibilities.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When early voting begins, the county typically publishes each polling location’s wait time on its website.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Wicks, 26, begins spring training as part of the starting pitching depth mix that the Cubs expect to rely on over the course of the season.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As of June 2026, when the hotel officially transitions from this soft opening phase to truly all-inclusive, every stay will be a full room-and-board rate—an offer that extends to the wine, beer, and snacks in the mini bar.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The resort’s focus on wellness extends far beyond the spa, though.—
Angela Lian,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The planetary moonwalk commences on the 26th, twelve days after Valentine’s Day, and is plotting and sussing out the story, so beware of mishaps, missteps, unforeseen issues, travel delays, the resurrection of exes, and awkward moments.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
12 Feb. 2026
-
This season, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) commences at a dire moment for US multi-brand retail.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome unfolds in phases.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Regardless of which scenario unfolds, Barr emphasized that the long-term effects of AI are likely to be profoundly positive for living standards.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opens. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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