open up

verb

opened up; opening up; opens up

transitive verb

1
: to make available or possible
The discovery opens up the possibility of new cures.
2
: to make plain or visible : disclose
3
: to open by cutting into

intransitive verb

1
: to become available or possible
The hostess will let us know when a table opens up.
2
: to spread out or come into view
The road opens up ahead.
3
: to commence firing
4
: to become communicative
tried to get the patient to open up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web With the second chapter of the Shazamily’s adventures now in theaters, the Swedish filmmaker is finally able to open up about one of the highlights of his entire experience. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2023 Earlier this week, students at the women-only Wellesley College voted to open up admission to all transgender and nonbinary students, including trans men. Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2023 Virtual, at-home meetings have also provided new ways of reaching patients who are reluctant to open up, said Lisa Durette, a child psychiatrist and assistant professor at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Daniel Gilbert And Teddy Amenabar, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Mar. 2023 In 1998, Fox was tired of being bullied by the paparazzi and decided to open up about his diagnosis. Kaitlin Stevens, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2023 Investors say some of those issues may be valid, but the bank did open up opportunities. WIRED, 15 Mar. 2023 Virtual, at-home meetings have also provided new ways of reaching patients who are reluctant to open up, said Lisa Durette, a child psychiatrist and assistant professor at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Teddy Amenabar, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2023 Our favorite feature of the bag is the theft-proof zippers, which can be looped into each other when closed and help deter pickpocketers from quickly trying to open up your bag when in crowds. John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Mar. 2023 This may open up a clearer picture for researchers to get a better handle on the disease. Julia Landwehr, Health, 14 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'open up.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of open up was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near open up

Cite this Entry

“Open up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20up. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

open up

verb
1
: to make available
2
: to make visible or come into view
the road opens up ahead
3
: to begin firing (as with a weapon or with questions)

More from Merriam-Webster on open up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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