ˈōp-niŋ
1
as in opportunity
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place
the talk show host's usual modus operandi is to talk over his guests, thereby denying them an opening to articulate their positions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in aperture
a place in a surface allowing passage into or through a thing
an opening in the roof is letting rain drip inside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in gap
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge)
the rabbit found a little opening in the bushes and darted through
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in initial
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in unlocking
to change from a closed to an open position
please open the door to let the cat out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clearing
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 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
as in freeing
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 beginning
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of opening
Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
There are no openings on the National Hurricane Center, zero.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025
After opening the 2025 season on the road with four games against the Seattle Mariners, the A’s will host the Chicago Cubs for three games — Monday, March 31, through Wednesday, April 2 — at Sutter Health Park.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Noun
More importantly, the opening sets in motion the ‘Make It With Martell’ global campaign, starting in the United States—the world’s biggest cognac market by volume—where a series of cocktail programs will begin across bars, hotels and other hospitality venues in big cities.
—Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
There are no openings on the National Hurricane Center, zero.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Verb
India was undergoing a medical evaluation late Sunday afternoon following the conclusion of the Royals’ 6-2 loss in the season-opening series finale.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025
After opening the 2025 season on the road with four games against the Seattle Mariners, the A’s will host the Chicago Cubs for three games — Monday, March 31, through Wednesday, April 2 — at Sutter Health Park.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opening
Noun
-
So, to see things come to fruition, like a house ambassador at the LV, walking in the shows, and just all the things that opportunity can afford you.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
-
Under the deal, the Global Networks firm will keep a 20% stake in the studios company, giving it revenue opportunities to help pay down debt.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
With a regular camera, the agency suggests using a tripod to stabilize the image, a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting.—
Ty Roush,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Featuring a magnification of 8x and an aperture of 25mm, these binoculars may not be the top choice for avid astronomers looking to explore the night sky.—
Matt Morris,
Space.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Your People Strategy Is A Core Strategy Labor gaps remain a real constraint, especially in skilled trades and tech-adjacent roles.—
Eddy Azad,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
So that would be my biggest concern, is whether or not that financial gap between those that can afford it and those that can’t creates way too many haves and way too many have-nots.—
Mitch Light,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
For Russia, this began soon after its initial invasion failed to seize control of Kyiv and Ukraine’s government.—
Scott Montgomery,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Huerta, 58, had been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles since Friday and made his initial appearance in federal court Monday afternoon.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 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
-
Advertisement The film also understands the power of unlocking such a dynamic, without being gratuitous about the visual details.—
Laura Ramadei,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Jackson is also considering expanding her part-time interior decorating business.—
Barbara Bry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Instead, Apple pledged to fund a Houston data center for computer servers powering artificial intelligence — a technology the company is expanding into as part of an industrywide craze.—
Michael Liedtke,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Russian Space Agency also has launched its share of space tourists, beginning with a California financier in 2001.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Luckily, beginning this week, whatever spun off the tracks should begin to get under control once again.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
-
There is a 25-35% chance of showers and thunderstorms.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opening. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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