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
  • More than 100 of the hostages have been released – most as part of a cease-fire deal last November, and some freed in Israeli military operations.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The dual zippers are an ingenious feature, allowing precise ventilation and the ability to free your arms while keeping the sleeping bag otherwise zipped tight.
    Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 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
  • According to an Associated Press report, Bushnell began a livestream on Twitch before dousing himself in a flammable chemical.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Paris prosecutor on Wednesday requested a five-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from public office against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, at a trial where she and 24 others are accused of embezzling European Union funds.
    Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Chris Knopf, executive director of Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, said reversing Biden’s actions would likely require an administrative process with public notice and public comment opportunities.
    Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The older trees themselves, more exposed in the landscape, could be more vulnerable to windstorms.
    April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Beijing, on the other hand, remains reliant on Taiwanese technology products for its manufacturing industry, meaning that China is now arguably more vulnerable to a disruption in cross-strait trade than Taiwan.
    David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This leads to an honest and bracing conversation about the nature of addiction.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Healthy relationships, open or closed, involve honest communication.
    Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near open

Cite this Entry

“Open.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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