opening 1 of 3

ˈōp-niŋ

opening

2 of 3

adjective

opening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of open
1
2
3
as in expanding
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
5

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 opening
Noun
The three blocks in the opening period tied Ware’s career-high for a game. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 The former late-night show host poked fun at Gascón, who was sitting in the audience during his opening monologue. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
Last year, after opening her 17th dress, Ava decided to film an OOTD with her dad and share it on TikTok. Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024 This ensured the Canucks entered the middle frame on even terms despite generating just two five-on-five shots in the opening 20 minutes. Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for opening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opening
Noun
  • This was his opportunity, perhaps his only one, to sign a big contract.
    Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The opportunity to be a confidant for the potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft wouldn’t have been possible, though, without Armato’s star former client, Shaq, who sent a glowing referral to Ace. After all, more than 20 agents had contacted the family to pitch their services.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The higher resolution also comes with a larger sensor and a faster aperture, which should result in better low-light photography.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Successive Democratic and Republican Administrations have tried to narrow USAID's aperture and graduate countries off assistance, but none have succeeded meaningfully.
    Ted Yoho, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And there’s a more than $100 million gap between the cost of local school districts’ special education programs and the aid the state provides.
    Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Instead, Levi channels his inner MacGyver and spans the gap in a single go.
    Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the team has become the most successful spring football league franchise, dating back to the years of the initial United States Football League in the 1980s, the Stallions’ growing trophy collection hasn’t quite translated to the team’s bottom line.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Seeing its initial advantage on the boards evaporate, UConn went into the break trailing, 37-33.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Financial clout is not an issue, but unlocking the riches of being in the Champions League and its revenue is an ongoing challenge.
    Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
  • These investigations are crucial for unlocking further secrets of the universe.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Thousands of Starbucks baristas are set to walk off the job on Tuesday, expanding the dayslong holiday strike to 300 stores in dozens of cities and towns nationwide, according to the union Starbucks Workers United.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Many are expanding across markets.
    Alex Lazarow, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The academy also says that beginning in 2026, a main title theme must be used in at least half of eligible episodes to be considered for an Emmy.
    Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Clothing makers will have to collect, transport, repair, sort, recycle and otherwise manage the end-of-life of their products beginning in 2030.
    Lewis Perkins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The pandemic gave many people more time at home and a chance to rethink their relationship to work.
    Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • At 6:13 of the period, the Blue Jackets went to the power play with a chance to push the lead to 4-1.
    Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opening. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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