open 1 of 3

verb

Definition of opennext
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

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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

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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

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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

open

2 of 3

adjective

ˈō-pən How to pronounce open (audio)
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

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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

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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

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5
as in exposed
lacking a usual or natural covering open wounds in his legs

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6
as in shared
not known by only a select few the two boxers have an open dislike for each other

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7
as in pending
not yet settled or decided that issue will have to remain open until the supervisor can decide

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8
as in impartial
willing to consider new or different ideas she is always open and ready to listen to anyone's suggestions

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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

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open

3 of 3

noun

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective open contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of open are exposed, liable, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When could exposed be used to replace open?

The words exposed and open can be used in similar contexts, but exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of open?

While in some cases nearly identical to open, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When would prone be a good substitute for open?

While the synonyms prone and open are close in meaning, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When might sensitive be a better fit than open?

The words sensitive and open are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than open?

In some situations, the words subject and open are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When is it sensible to use susceptible instead of open?

The meanings of susceptible and open largely overlap; however, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

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
Verb
Senior Noah Schermerhorn opened the bottom of the seventh Friday with a double and scored on a single by junior Connor Mandirola but then the rally fizzled and Fahey, who pitched a complete game, got the last out via strikeout. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 Although it’s been ordaining openly gay ministers since the 1970s, UCC isn’t the only church opening its doors to LGBTQ+ worshippers. —Matt Alderton, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Adjective
Chism, a 5-foot-10, 198-pounder who has drawn easy comparisons to Patriots slot receivers of the past, was the star of the Patriots’ third open OTAs session, catching seven passes on seven targets during 11-on-11 work. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 June 2025 Encourage open communication to manage expectations. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
And now, Coinbase is set to become part of the S&P 500 starting at the open of trade on Monday, replacing Discover Financial Services, which is being acquired by Capital One Financial. —Rafael Nam, NPR, 19 May 2025 Wall Street appears to be signaling some skepticism about the deal’s viability, based on the open of trading Thursday. —Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
  1. unlock
  2. clear
  3. expand
  4. free
  5. begin
  6. public
  7. vulnerable
  8. honest
Verb
  • Specific initiatives include Wasserman’s focus on developing proprietary commercial capabilities that unlock revenue opportunities for top talent, brands and rights holders.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 13 June 2025
  • Through donations and grants, the organization has been able to help unlock access to professional mental health services.
    — Matt Villano, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Definition of unlock
Verb
  • The filmmakers had other hurdles to clear as well, including the incredibly complicated and fraught world of music licensing.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Her father, Kevin Fox, was arrested four months later in connection with her murder, but was later cleared.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Definition of clear
Verb
  • Abu Shabab’s social media presence, along with slick videos and fluent English commentary, has expanded.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • Stablecoins are often treated as satellites of U.S. monetary policy—dollar proxies that expand liquidity and shore up Treasury demand.
    — Jemma Green, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Definition of expand
Verb
  • With its easy setup and free unlimited storage, family members can instantly share photos from anywhere.
    — Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
  • The American heroes who stormed onto Normandy Beach 81 years ago to free Europe from Nazi tyranny are almost all gone now.
    — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Definition of free
Verb
  • Entering the homestretch, Journalism poked his head in front as Rodriguez began to fall back.
    — John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • Left-hander Reid Detmers, whose three-game nightmare stretch a month ago began with a game in Seattle, struck out two in a scoreless inning, including Mariners star Cal Raleigh.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 7 June 2025
Definition of begin
Adjective
  • Prosecutors objected to that request to postpone, and a public court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, to argue the issue before Hippler.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 13 June 2025
  • However, public trust in that body and the wider judiciary is scant following a slew of high-profile graft scandals coupled with a conspicuous lack of prosecutions or accountability.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 June 2025
Definition of public
Adjective
  • China’s economy remains vulnerable, though: Prices fell again, cementing fears of deflation.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 June 2025
  • Healthcare providers and community leaders must also educate patients about vaccination benefits, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and those with high exposure.
    — Dr. Jerome Adams, Time, 10 June 2025
Definition of vulnerable
Adjective
  • How can leaders conduct honest conversations without inspiring defensiveness, denial, or backlash?
    — Lauren Howe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • One of those fans, apparently, is singer Ciara, who recently urged the Harlem artist to make Lampkin an honest women after running into the rapper in the BET Awards press room this weekend.
    — Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
Definition of honest

Phrases Containing open

Browse Nearby Words

opaqueness
open
open-air
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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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