open-ended
adjective
open-end·ed
ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd 
: not rigorously fixed: such as
a
: adaptable to the developing needs of a situation
b
: permitting or designed to permit spontaneous and unguided responses
open-endedness
noun
Examples of open-ended in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The document also reportedly says that all disputes would be resolved by courts in New York, as if a New York court could adjudicate something so open-ended.
—
Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
After spending two years as Young’s sideline sounding board, Dalton’s future is somewhat open-ended, despite his outspoken desire to stick around.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Feb. 2025
Congress has left much of NEPA’s implementation open-ended, meaning that agencies and courts must determine the appropriate level of scrutiny.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Things in Vengeance Most Fowl were left a little open-ended, THR points out, with Feathers McGraw escaping on a runaway train.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for open-ended
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.
Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
After spending two years as Young’s sideline sounding board, Dalton’s future is somewhat open-ended, despite his outspoken desire to stick around.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Feb. 2025
Congress has left much of NEPA’s implementation open-ended, meaning that agencies and courts must determine the appropriate level of scrutiny.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Things in Vengeance Most Fowl were left a little open-ended, THR points out, with Feathers McGraw escaping on a runaway train.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for open-ended
Cite this Entry
“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-ended. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share