as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
an open-and-shut case of robbery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 open-and-shut
That detracts from the open-and-shut case against the university.
—
Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
What looked like an open-and-shut victory for Natalia has suddenly become an impossible case.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Newton’s candidacy should be an open-and-shut case.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The jury deliberated for less than one hour per count to deliver its verdict, suggesting this was an open-and-shut case.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Newton’s candidacy should be an open-and-shut case.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Lumet and a remarkable cast headed by Henry Fonda create high drama as jurors arguing a case that all but Fonda’s character sees as open-and-shut — leading him to dig in in an attempt to make everyone else see it his way.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
The jury deliberated for less than one hour per count to deliver its verdict, suggesting this was an open-and-shut case.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Everything comes to a head during a seemingly open-and-shut case of drug trafficking.
—James Marsh, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025
What looked like an open-and-shut victory for Natalia has suddenly become an impossible case.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Newton’s candidacy should be an open-and-shut case.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The jury deliberated for less than one hour per count to deliver its verdict, suggesting this was an open-and-shut case.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Newton’s candidacy should be an open-and-shut case.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Lumet and a remarkable cast headed by Henry Fonda create high drama as jurors arguing a case that all but Fonda’s character sees as open-and-shut — leading him to dig in in an attempt to make everyone else see it his way.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
The jury deliberated for less than one hour per count to deliver its verdict, suggesting this was an open-and-shut case.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Everything comes to a head during a seemingly open-and-shut case of drug trafficking.
—James Marsh, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open-and-shut
Adjective
-
The lesson is obvious for investors: always consider control systems.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
-
That was all too obvious within minutes of his final home game of the season coming to an end on Friday night.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Perhaps more than any other genre, the evolution of punk rock (both in Los Angeles and around the world) is never more apparent than in the age range of bands at music festivals.—
Josh Chesler,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
-
That license is currently set to expire on May 27, but sources indicate it may now be extended by 60 days — an apparent diplomatic concession aimed at easing tensions and fostering future cooperation.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Pony Bead Pumpkins Ideal for the autumnal season, this adorable and straightforward seasonal craft uses pipe cleaners and beads to create three-dimensional pumpkins perfect for displaying on the mantle or your Thanksgiving tablescape.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
-
The most straightforward data point is the growth rate of gross domestic product, or GDP.—
Erica E. Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond the physical abuse, Cassie endured a steady drumbeat of insidious threats that sent an unmistakable message: the violence could escalate at any moment.—
Lauren Hersh,
New York Daily News,
21 May 2025
-
The unmistakable message: in Welch’s House of Representatives, Democratic moderates who think for themselves and question their own party’s orthodoxies are unwelcome.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Acidity dominants, as with many 2024 Bordeaux wines, but complexity is evident in this light juice with fine flavors of young red fruit.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
-
Toxic takeover completed a few months before, the Glazer brothers — Joel, Avie and Bryan — were attending their first match at Old Trafford as owners of Manchester United and a new way of thinking was evident.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
This kind of partnership, Nye said, helped the office clear a backlog of over 1,000 such tips from before Labrador took office.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
11 May 2025
-
While President Trump’s bold tariff agenda marks a clear departure from the status quo, tariffs alone will not revitalize the American working class.—
Lynn Forester de Rothschild,
Time,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
One of the most effective ways to do this is by specializing in client segments with distinct financial needs, values, and life experiences.—
Jason Katz,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
-
Its distinct big band sound and rhythms attracted both young and old on Friday night including Haitian konpa fans pushing walkers.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Open-and-shut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open-and-shut. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share