1
as in unlocks
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 clears
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 expands
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 frees
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 begins
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 opens
The mansion features a limestone-and-concrete facade that opens to reveal plaster walls and ceilings, custom raw-steel railings, and European wide-plank white oak floors throughout.
—
Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
The entry opens to a dramatic foyer with a sweeping staircase with curving iron balusters.
—Lynn Slaney Silguero, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Elsewhere, The Barn, which opens onto parkland, is earthy, jolly, and informal – blazing stone fireplace in winter, open to the elements and spilling out into the parkland-facing terrace in summer – and has laid-back brasserie-style menus (veggie burgers, chateaubriand, ribs, chicken pie et al).
—Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
For African producers including Angola, DR Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Zambia, the shift opens a rare window of leverage.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The 55-second-long video appears to be generated by AI and opens with Obama and Michelle Obama's heads superimposed onto apes' bodies.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
The romantic comedy opens Friday.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
Cannes-premiering Pillion, A24’s erotic comedy drama by British writer-director Harry Lighton, opens on four screens in New York (Lincoln Square, Angelika Film Center) and Los Angeles (AMC Grove, AMC Century City).
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
Universal Studios Florida theme park opens.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
The entry opens to a dramatic foyer with a sweeping staircase with curving iron balusters.
—Lynn Slaney Silguero, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Elsewhere, The Barn, which opens onto parkland, is earthy, jolly, and informal – blazing stone fireplace in winter, open to the elements and spilling out into the parkland-facing terrace in summer – and has laid-back brasserie-style menus (veggie burgers, chateaubriand, ribs, chicken pie et al).
—Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
For African producers including Angola, DR Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Zambia, the shift opens a rare window of leverage.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The 55-second-long video appears to be generated by AI and opens with Obama and Michelle Obama's heads superimposed onto apes' bodies.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
The romantic comedy opens Friday.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
Cannes-premiering Pillion, A24’s erotic comedy drama by British writer-director Harry Lighton, opens on four screens in New York (Lincoln Square, Angelika Film Center) and Los Angeles (AMC Grove, AMC Century City).
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
Universal Studios Florida theme park opens.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opens
Verb
-
This data, combined with our agency partnerships with Publicis and PMG, and GeniusIQ’s ability to bring everything together live on air, unlocks powerful new inventory and engagement opportunities.—
Steve Bornstein,
Sportico.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Castle unlocks Spurs’ defense in fourth Two tactical adjustments led to the Spurs’ dominating defensive performance in the fourth quarter.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Antonio Express-News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Once the front clears, temperatures will tumble throughout the day and especially into Thursday night.—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading guard Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz in a move that clears his $10 million salary off Cleveland’s books, league sources told The Athletic.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When one soul speaks its truth, the frequency of truth expands through the collective.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
As the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands, causing the pavement to rise.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Consider streamlining a recurring task with a template, because consistency reduces stress and frees time for more complicated projects.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
This frees me up to prioritize both myself and the friends who are reciprocal in their time, effort, and energy.—
Rebecca Fearn,
SELF,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Training at Kempo Goju dojos typically begins around age 5, but all ages are accepted.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Fat Tuesday is a day of feasting on rich foods before the fasting period of Lent begins.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
An exceptional culinary experience likewise extends to the beauty of the cutlery, crystal, and fine china set the meal is served with, ideally in a space likewise suited to the elegance of such a tablescape.—
Laurie Brookins,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Positioned as the brand’s first solvent-free shoe, the style extends Keen’s long-running Detox the Planet program into a fully modular build.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
An outspoken state senator is scheduled to make remarks Sunday at the International Servant Leaders Museum in Morton Grove, coming as Black History Month commences.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Dinner commences in a cool and calm underground lounge before moving upstairs to another intimate locale.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As the song unfolds, their voices begin to braid together like twin strands of ivy—a Scottish lilt and a Montana twang—creeping across a hard stone wall of fuzzy grunge guitars.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome unfolds in phases.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opens. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
