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
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
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
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
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
-
Now, which are planning the following volunteer opportunities and outdoor programs in January.—
Joe Rassel,
Orlando Sentinel,
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
-
The information released by the state to the public gives no indication what might happen if an inmate survives the initial shots.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
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 preferential ballot means a film’s best chance at winning depends on which movies get eliminated first — those with the fewest No. 1 votes.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Given these historical precedents and the current political landscape, the chances of successfully removing a judge over policy disagreements remain slim.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opening. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share