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
In 2023, a thirty-six-year-old version of myself opens the book again.
—
Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
Bidding opens December 5 and runs through December 18 at the Pendry West Manhattan in New York City as part of Concierge Auctions’ End-of-Year Global Sale.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025
Get Morning Squawk directly in your inbox CNBC’s Morning Squawk recaps the biggest stories investors should know before the stock market opens, every weekday morning.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
Her decision to step down opens New Jersey's 12th District to a succession battle within the Democratic Party.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
After the Nippon Professional Baseball team opens the process, Imai will have 45 days to reach an agreement with a major-league team.
—Maria Torres, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Netflix House Dallas opens next month, and was announced at the same time as Philadelphia was a couple years ago.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
The absence of the US and international private capital could lead to a muted COP30, which opens today in Brazil.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Harp opens his story with the killing of one strung-out super-soldier at the hands of a Delta Force operator.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
Bidding opens December 5 and runs through December 18 at the Pendry West Manhattan in New York City as part of Concierge Auctions’ End-of-Year Global Sale.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025
Get Morning Squawk directly in your inbox CNBC’s Morning Squawk recaps the biggest stories investors should know before the stock market opens, every weekday morning.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
Her decision to step down opens New Jersey's 12th District to a succession battle within the Democratic Party.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
After the Nippon Professional Baseball team opens the process, Imai will have 45 days to reach an agreement with a major-league team.
—Maria Torres, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Netflix House Dallas opens next month, and was announced at the same time as Philadelphia was a couple years ago.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
The absence of the US and international private capital could lead to a muted COP30, which opens today in Brazil.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Harp opens his story with the killing of one strung-out super-soldier at the hands of a Delta Force operator.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opens
Verb
-
Below, Lokk unlocks her festival’s program and challenges to Variety.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
After she’s brutally assaulted on her wedding night by a powerful politician (Masaya Takahashi), Jeanne (Aiko Nagayama) makes a deal with the devil (Tatsuya Nakadai) that unlocks an extraordinary power in her — not only over men but over life and death.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
That said, until Watson either clears medical tests and the Browns open his 21-day window, or the team commits to giving Sanders meaningful snaps, the Browns’ future at quarterback remains uncertain.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The fine print — including how spend will be audited, whether marketing and postproduction count, and when the first targets kick in — will be finalized once the bill clears Parliament.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This foldable tote bag packs flat, expands instantly, and can carry souvenirs, beach gear, or laundry.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
-
That's how the music conveys that, expands it.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
You could be pulled toward someone who feels familiar on a soul level, or experience closure that finally frees your heart.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
-
This collaboration is with FIFA rather than individual soccer federations, which frees up Adidas to represent Argentina, Mexico, Portugal and France — only two of which are actually signed with the German brand — through this quartet of Sambas.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
On the plane, Dick clutches the slingshot and begins sweating and muttering to himself before becoming unresponsive.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Her win extends Democratic control of the governor’s mansion to a third consecutive term and cements her status as one of the party’s rising national figures.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Growing skepticism in American society about the value of multilateralism extends to economic issues.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Just last week, the Facchino Family began demolishing structures at its 13-acre property at 1655 Berryessa Road before construction commences on a new mixed-income neighborhood near the BART Station.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As this event unfolds, its historic potential hangs heavy in the air.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Much of this lovely, cerebral film unfolds in a cozy Manhattan high-rise, a Christmas tree twinkling in the background as snow falls outside.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opens. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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