Synonyms of open
1
as in to unlock
to change from a closed to an open position
please open the door to let the cat out
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Relevance
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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
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1
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
thank you for clearing out the hallway so that it's open again
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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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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of open
Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
With Pete Golding calling the shots after being promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach, and most of the assistants sticking around, the Rebels blew out Tulane to open the playoff and took down mighty Georgia in the CFP quarterfinals.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Going just 6 for 15 in the first two quarters, Maye was still able to make things happen in open two quarters with five runs for 55 yards.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Processing an old resentment today could bring it up fully and out into the open where it can be seen, understood, learned from, grieved, and forgiven.
—Kimberly King, Baltimore Sun, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for open
Verb
The nearly 106,000-square-foot office structure opened in 1984 and marked the beginning of the Harwood District.
—Adjective
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Shanahan called for a reverse pass from Jauan Jennings to an open Christian McCaffrey, who tracked the pass and made a difficult over-the-shoulder catch for a 29-yard touchdown.
—Noun
But the Heat also don’t have to do anything immediately, with that extension window open though the season, otherwise with Bird Rights to re-sign Norman in free agency in the offseason.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
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According to the official, the suspect refused to roll his window down or get out of his car, so the officer broke a rear window and reached inside the car to unlock the door.—
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Assisted-driving tech is also considered a precursor to fully autonomous cars, which analysts say can unlock huge new markets for ride-hailing fleets as well as personal self-driving vehicles.—
Verb
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Create a sense of order by clearing those surfaces of holiday-specific decor.—
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The fire department said its crews cleared the scene a short time later.—
Verb
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Flywing also plans to expand the competitive side of the platform.—
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Neutrality allowed the nation to build strength, expand westward, and avoid the ideological contagions sweeping the continent.—
Verb
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Pots, pans, trays, and lots of utensils can be shoved onto oven shelves to free up counter and kitchen table space.—
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The engine, freed from its hook by a sudden hard, precise kick, quickly sank into the river, pulling the cord tight and dragging the foreman underwater.—
Verb
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On the plane, Dick clutches the slingshot and begins sweating and muttering to himself before becoming unresponsive.—
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Numerous reports and videos of thundersnow in downtown Chicago began to roll in after midnight local time.—
Adjective
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What counts as a cleared sidewalk?—
Adjective
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There are other examples of lawmakers leaving public office for lobbying roles, but keeping their accounts open and spending from them.—
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The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
Adjective
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If an entrance hole is too large, smaller nesting birds will be vulnerable to predators and invasive species, including house sparrows, larger birds of prey, squirrels, snakes and even cats, which Hamlin says are birds’ top predators.—
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People who have weakened immune systems or existing lung and heart disease are most vulnerable to cardiac complications from the flu.—
Cite this Entry
“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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