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

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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

Examples 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
Paula Cooper’s first space at 99-100 Prince Street, which opened in 1968, is represented; my wife worked here. Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024 The mall opened in 1965 as Northgate Fashion Mall, built on land owned by the Freitas family and sold to developers. Adrian Rodriguez, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
This combination was perfect for California’s June Mountain side-country, where testers pushed the boot’s limits through tight trees, open glades, and steep, consequential descents. Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024 The open kitchen shown in this listing photo comes with a large island and a farmhouse sink. Clio Chang, Curbed, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
Not especially bringing menopause into the open, but bringing you and your open wallet into the market. Valerie Monroe, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024 Share [Findings] Humboldt penguins who nest in the open have more pollutant metabolites in their blood than do penguins who nest in guano-rich burrows. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for open 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open
Verb
  • But a new report suggests that customers decided to buy those goods online rather than wait for someone to come by and unlock a display case.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Bundlers who hit certain fundraising tiers unlock perks such as invitations to events with candidates and have been known to receive coveted appointments.
    Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Once she is medically cleared she will be booked at Santa Rita Jail on assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, reckless evading of a peace officer, failure to obey a court order and resisting arrest with an enhancement of committing a felony while out on her own recognizance.
    Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
  • While the Transportation Department can set narrow rules through NHTSA that would help clear a path for autonomous vehicles, mass adoption of self-driving cars likely will require a broader act of Congress.
    Tribune News Service, Twin Cities, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Her re-election sets Phoenix up to continue growing the burgeoning technology and health care industries, building sustainable infrastructure to combat climate change and expanding public transportation options.
    Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The United States expanded a resettlement program for Afghan refugees in 2021 to include journalists and humanitarian workers who had helped the United States.
    Trisha Mukherjee, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Where labor costs are high, even one self-checkout can free up a cashier for other important roles like stocking shelves or providing customer service; duties that, unlike checkouts, haven’t yet been automated.
    Mustafa Khanwala, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Birmingham names new mayor as city settles deal with controversial senior tower More:Michigan teen tied to deputy's killing freed on $10K cash bail, igniting debate on reform Officials evacuated at least 15 of the condo units, Barnett said.
    Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • How to get a McRib in Arizona The McRib will be available at all McDonald's locations in Arizona beginning Dec. 3, 2024.
    Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The new Whoppers will be available beginning November 14.
    Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Without a resilient grid, electricity outages could diminish public support for decarbonization.
    Nives Dolsak and Aseem Prakash, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
  • In Louisiana, a law to place the Ten Commandments in all public classrooms was blocked by a federal judge earlier this month.
    Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road.
    Chris Gallagher, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at The National Cybersecurity Alliance, said this is a vulnerable time for retailers.
    Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Stick to transparent, honest consent methods that respect users and ensure compliance.
    Ian Cohen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Simard: Some of it is just combined with comedy in general, to be honest.
    Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near open

Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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