open-ended

adjective

open-end·​ed ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd How to pronounce open-ended (audio)
Synonyms of open-endednext
: not rigorously fixed: such as
a
: adaptable to the developing needs of a situation
b
: permitting or designed to permit spontaneous and unguided responses
open-endedness noun

Examples of open-ended in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
What once felt open-ended now feels finite. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026 Game play is open-ended, including activities such as collecting and making items, planting, catching insects and fishing. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 Kaiser Permanente nurses and health care workers in the Los Angeles area joined their counterparts across the state and in Hawaii today to begin an open-ended strike alleging unfair labor practices amid prolonged contract talks. City News Service, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026 Strike escalates protests The open-ended strike marks an escalation from the protests and walkouts the union has organized at Kaiser over the past year, which were each limited in duration. Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for open-ended

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-ended was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-ended. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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