Synonyms of open
1
as in to unlock
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 to clear
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 to expand
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 to free
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 to begin
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
1
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
thank you for clearing out the hallway so that it's open again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in public
freely available for use or participation by all
the lanes at the bowling alley will be open during the afternoon, but will be available only for league play in the evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in vulnerable
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm
the country's open to invasion if its borders remain unguarded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in honest
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
a talkative and open child who tells people more than they want to know
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in exposed
lacking a usual or natural covering
open wounds in his legs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in shared
not known by only a select few
the two boxers have an open dislike for each other
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in pending
not yet settled or decided
that issue will have to remain open until the supervisor can decide
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in impartial
willing to consider new or different ideas
she is always open and ready to listen to anyone's suggestions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
he's very open with his opinions, many of which are not welcome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in wilderness
that part of the physical world that is removed from human habitation
a daguerreotype of a cowboy whose face is roughened from a hard life in the open
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of open
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
Instead, open an emergency savings account.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026
That will really set the tone for that day, which is just being plotted out now, to really engage in a conversation that will be open to industry pass holders, press, and public to talk about the future of independent film.
—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
2 July 2026
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
25 June 2026
That leaves one slot open, which could easily go to another Pitt actor, Pluribus love interest Karolina Wydra, or, gasp, Sydney Sweeney, who received strong reviews for her work on the final season of Euphoria.
—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for open
Verb
Rain began not long after Fan Fest opened and continued well into the match itself.
—
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
Instead, open an emergency savings account.
—
Daniel De Visé,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Adjective
Her Oscar de la Renta minidress was formed from strands of crystals draped over a nude base, with an open back and more beading suspended around her arms.
—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026
That will really set the tone for that day, which is just being plotted out now, to really engage in a conversation that will be open to industry pass holders, press, and public to talk about the future of independent film.
—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
2 July 2026
Noun
Ted Daniels, who, during a 2012 firefight in Afghanistan, moved into the open to draw enemy fire away from other soldiers in his unit.
—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
25 June 2026
That leaves one slot open, which could easily go to another Pitt actor, Pluribus love interest Karolina Wydra, or, gasp, Sydney Sweeney, who received strong reviews for her work on the final season of Euphoria.
—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
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.
-
The trend could even unlock a more flexible energy supply for power grid operators and even AI data centers.
Verb
-
After clearing logjams in the White House and House of Representatives, the legislation drew broad support in an election year where both parties are increasingly aware that voters have said they're fed up with the high cost of living.
-
Declan Rice had a free kick around six minutes into the match, but Ghana cleared it away immediately.
Verb
-
Love’s Travel Stops just expanded its service offerings for RVs, including light maintenance, battery replacement and tire replacement.
-
California's new personal finance graduation requirement The lessons come as California prepares to expand financial education statewide.
Verb
-
For every Founding Father looking to free the colonies from British tyranny, there was a Larry (often called Lawrence here) who suggests that sharing desserts and umbrellas should be prohibited by the Declaration of Independence.
-
Such maneuvering could then potentially free the Heat from being hard-capped at the first tax apron (although still highly unlikely).
Verb
-
King’s attorney, Bill Mason, began his presentation by referencing Bosworth’s mentioning a defendant can’t be judged for not testifying in their own defense.
-
Preliminary construction work is expected to begin soon, and officials estimate the overall project could take at least six years to complete.
Adjective
-
Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.
-
What counts as a cleared sidewalk?
Adjective
-
At least two other children in Florida have died in hot cars since the beginning of 2026, according to the education and public awareness group Kids and Cars.
-
Unitree has emerged as the world’s largest humanoid robot maker and is preparing for a public listing in Shanghai later this year.
Adjective
-
Key industries like agriculture, outdoor recreation, and the power grid are structurally vulnerable to water scarcity and extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change.
-
The gang members and associates allegedly focused on recruiting vulnerable minor girls and young women, many of whom came from broken homes or had fallen through the foster care system, Essayli said Wednesday.
Cite this Entry
“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
