1
as in unlocked
to change from a closed to an open position
please open the door to let the cat out
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cleared
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions
we need to open this drain that's clogged with hair
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in expanded
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 freed
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 began
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of opened
Pruneyard Cinemas opened to a lot of fanfare in 2018, but its owners have been running uphill — and losing ground — since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.
—
Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
The business initially opened as a supply store, then added a taproom and eventually a restaurant.
—Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
However, Demirel opened the game scoring eight unanswered points to give the visiting Antelopes an early 8-0 lead.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
The last jubilee held under two different popes was in the year 1700, when Innocent XII opened the Holy Year that was then closed by Clement XI.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
An opened can typically lasts five to seven days in the refrigerator before oxidation affects flavor.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
The smartest one out of the handful of boutique stays that have opened their doors over the past few years, âme eschews the rather predictable post-war industrial look for a serene Scandi-Japanese setting in a century-old monumental townhouse.
—Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
The business’s first location was opened in 1976 in San Diego and now has hundreds of locations worldwide, according to the Costco website.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
By mid-2025, the two countries had opened discussions on defense and free trade, and Bangladesh joined China and Pakistan for a trilateral summit in June after restoring diplomatic ties with the latter.
—Muhib Rahman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opened
Verb
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Miami unlocked the deep game just before halftime, taking advantage of a busted coverage for a 52-yard touchdown pass from Beck to Keelan Marion.—
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Miami unlocked the deep game just before halftime, taking advantage of a busted coverage for a 52-yard touchdown pass from Beck to Keelan Marion.—
Verb
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However, he was cleared after police interviewed several witnesses who confirmed his alibi.—
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The heath at Hermaness looked wild, but it was mostly cleared by the cropping of sheep.—
Verb
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The Pacers expanded their lead to as large as 25 points in the second quarter before the Heat finally started to push back.—
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In 2025, the Navy expanded its training programs for future E-6B pilots, with courses now held in Oklahoma, where the majority of the aircraft are based and operated.—
Verb
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The protest comes amid ongoing unrest in Iran, where demonstrations that began over economic grievances have spread nationwide, evolving into a direct challenge to Iran's clerical leadership.—
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Using products by celeb-favorite skin care brand iS Clinical, Flores began by cleansing Williams' skin with the lightweight Cleansing Complex before spraying his skin with a Copper Firming Mist.—
Verb
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Florida extended their lead to 3-1 early in the third period as Forsling launched a slap shot past Merilainen for his second goal of the season.—
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According to the filing, Pepsi allegedly reinforced that gap by offering Walmart promotional payments, allowances and data-sharing services that were not extended to other retailers.—
Verb
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Officials then searched the children’s home and commenced an air and ground search.—
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In 2012, whiskey production commenced at the distillery, with bottles hitting the market a few years later.—
Verb
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When questioned about how the situation unfolded, Bunnie revealed they were lured by the man’s German luxury car.—
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That’s how a criminal investigation unfolded in an embezzlement case at the University of California, Davis.—
Verb
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The year started with a four-day streak of 70-degree highs; however, Oklahoma will soon see temperatures dip a bit into the mid-50s and 60s at the start of next week, with some parts of the state expecting snow.—
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Sean Kuraly had a goal and an assist, Tanner Jeannot had two assists, and the Boston Bruins started a five-game homestand with a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.—
Cite this Entry
“Opened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opened. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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