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
Additionally, the Mansfield Drive-in Theatre opens for the season Friday, April 4, according to a release.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
That opens the path for other Democrats to do so and avert a government shutdown.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
Eddie then opens the paint can, splashes it onto the graffiti, and gets into an argument with the store security guard for making a mess in the parking lot.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Set an alarm for when the event opens its applications and subscribe to their newsletter.
—Lindsey Bartlett, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
Evita opens at the London Palladium on June 14 and runs through September 6.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
While the heavy lifting is just getting underway for general manager Ryan Poles and his staff, the Tribune’s Brad Biggs opens his weekly Bears mailbag for a host of questions about possible additions.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
From there, a second door opens to the living room, with original hardwood floors and a fireplace surround made of Arts & Crafts-style tiles.
—Angela Serratore, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
The film opens in theaters March 7 from Warner Bros.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
That opens the path for other Democrats to do so and avert a government shutdown.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
Eddie then opens the paint can, splashes it onto the graffiti, and gets into an argument with the store security guard for making a mess in the parking lot.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Set an alarm for when the event opens its applications and subscribe to their newsletter.
—Lindsey Bartlett, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
Evita opens at the London Palladium on June 14 and runs through September 6.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
While the heavy lifting is just getting underway for general manager Ryan Poles and his staff, the Tribune’s Brad Biggs opens his weekly Bears mailbag for a host of questions about possible additions.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
From there, a second door opens to the living room, with original hardwood floors and a fireplace surround made of Arts & Crafts-style tiles.
—Angela Serratore, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
The film opens in theaters March 7 from Warner Bros.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opens
Verb
-
Enrollment could continue to rise after North Carolina lawmakers this year approved a measure that unlocks funding for applications for thousands more students of all incomes to attend private school.—
Ashley Mahoney,
Axios,
17 Dec. 2024
-
The rapid evolution of AI models, particularly in generative and large language technologies, unlocks groundbreaking capabilities—but at a steep cost.—
Aparna Prabhakar,
Forbes,
17 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Comments Isabela Merced explains how HBO's 'The Last of Us' expands Dina's backstory from the game.—
Nick Romano,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Its acquisition of the 219 Big Lots stores expands its footprint to over 600 stores across 18 states.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The week begins cloudy and warm.—
Garfield Hylton,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Most of this year’s top quarterback prospects will throw during pro day workouts this week, unofficially marking the last phase of the evaluation process before the NFL Draft begins on April 24.—
Zac Jackson,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Glide mode frees you up to be present with others and enjoy your surroundings.—
Paul Ridden,
New Atlas,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Israel put that on hold until Hamas frees a civilian hostage who Israel said should have been released Saturday.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Its elegance extends inside of the building to the expansive bridal suite with rooms designated for hair and makeup, and its ballroom for rehearsal dinners.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2025
-
That dedication extends to infrastructure, too, such as replacing engines with more efficient models and partnering with locals for tours.—
UnCruise Adventures,
AFAR Media,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Yet as the story unfolds, Scrooge himself learns the profound value of a pause through his transformative journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
-
This cuvée continually unfolds in the glass - this is a memorable wine!—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The Pink Qatari Clay Heritage Ritual is an indulgent 90 minutes, and starts with a body exfoliation with a scrub made from aromatic resins, Epsom salts and frankincense.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Security & Safety A casino should offer a safe environment for its customers and this starts with proper licensing and ends with strict safety protocols such as SSL encryption.—
Matthew Gover,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
United in Love launches April 15.—
Martha Cheng Gisela Williams Melinda Fakuade Jinnie Lee,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
-
April 14, 2024 — Iran launches an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, firing over 300 missiles and attack drones.—
ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opens. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share