open 1 of 3

1
as in to unlock
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 to clear
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 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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5

open

2 of 3

adjective

1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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9

open

3 of 3

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective open contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of open are exposed, liable, prone, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When could exposed be used to replace open?

The words exposed and open can be used in similar contexts, but exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When can liable be used instead of open?

While in some cases nearly identical to open, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

When would prone be a good substitute for open?

While the synonyms prone and open are close in meaning, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When might sensitive be a better fit than open?

The words sensitive and open are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When is subject a more appropriate choice than open?

In some situations, the words subject and open are roughly equivalent. However, subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

When is it sensible to use susceptible instead of open?

The meanings of susceptible and open largely overlap; however, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

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 open
Verb
The tool can be accessed by opening this link in Chrome. Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025 These varieties produce flower buds during the summer that will open next season . Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
After failing to find a buyer that would keep its stores open, the fabrics outlet said in a statement posted on its restructuring website that all Joann locations will close. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025 The petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship is open until June 20, 2025, after which the clerk of petitions will have to certify that at least 500 of its signatures are legitimate. Max Saltman, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
China announcing retaliatory trade tariffs against the U.S. pressured Wall Street ahead of Tuesday’s open. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 Today’s housing market mostly operates out in the open — in one place, buyers surfing Zillow or Redfin can see nearly every home listed for sale. Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • With deeper, more collaborative relationships, mentoring can unlock its full potential.
    Kate Vitasek, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • That was true at the City Ground, with the Forest’s captain’s cunning and guile repeatedly threatening to unlock Arsenal’s stubborn defence.
    James McNicholas, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The story follows Fang Di, who leaves home to become a stunt performer to clear family debts, and her cousin Tian Tian, who remains behind dealing with her father’s addiction before being forced to flee local mobsters.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The White House said 75,000 people signed up, and a federal judge cleared a legal roadblock last week for the program to move forward.
    Kate Gibson, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • She’s since expanded into other jewelry and accessories categories and launched lifestyle items like laptop cases, luggage tags and keychains.
    Layla Ilchi, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Since then, the company has expanded to more than 20 locations across California, including a wholesale site.
    Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • He was released by Hamas earlier this month after 484 days of captivity, one of the 19 Israeli hostages freed alive under the January 2025 ceasefire deal.
    Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The idea is to free you up to comfortably use the car's infotainment screen, talk to co-passengers, and catch up on books or videos on long journeys and commutes.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Girl Scout Cookie season began on Jan. 7 and typically runs through April, which means Thin Mints and other classics are still available for purchase.
    Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The couple—who began dating in 2019 and share two sons, RZA and Riot Rose—left the Los Angeles courtroom walking arm in arm, donning tailored suits.
    Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The move came as a fragile ceasefire in Gaza hit new hurdles after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a stop to the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees due to be freed under the truce, in retaliation for public displays of Israeli hostages handed over in exchange in Gaza.
    Raneen Sawafta and James Mackenzie, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • In 2019, there were 319 incidents, and in 2023, there were 482, police said at a public hearing last February.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Zelensky has expressed fear that Trump pushing a quick resolution would result in Ukraine losing territory and being left vulnerable to future Russian aggression.
    Justin Spike and Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • By focusing more on consolidating his own power rather than defending the empire, Sidao effectively left the Southern Song vulnerable to external threats, especially from the Mongols, who were expanding rapidly under Kublai Khan.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Senior officials responsible for keeping agencies honest and accountable were among those purged.
    Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Even from an honest left-wing perspective, Haaland’s rise has little to ...
    Paul J. Gessing, National Review, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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