ˈōp-niŋ
1
as in opportunity
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place
the talk show host's usual modus operandi is to talk over his guests, thereby denying them an opening to articulate their positions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in aperture
a place in a surface allowing passage into or through a thing
an opening in the roof is letting rain drip inside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in gap
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge)
the rabbit found a little opening in the bushes and darted through
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in initial
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in unlocking
to change from a closed to an open position
please open the door to let the cat out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clearing
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 expanding
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 freeing
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
as in beginning
to take the first step in (a process or course of action)
we will open the proceedings tomorrow with a short ceremony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of opening
Matias Grez, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Under Liu’s leadership, the brand expanded into Europe and China, with store openings in top cities such as Shanghai and Beijing.
—Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025
After opening the 2025 season on the road with four games against the Seattle Mariners, the A’s will host the Chicago Cubs for three games — Monday, March 31, through Wednesday, April 2 — at Sutter Health Park.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Noun
After suffering a 42-point beatdown in Game 3, the Thunder led the Timberwolves for the vast majority of a tight Game 4, never trailing after the opening seven minutes.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Under Liu’s leadership, the brand expanded into Europe and China, with store openings in top cities such as Shanghai and Beijing.
—Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
India was undergoing a medical evaluation late Sunday afternoon following the conclusion of the Royals’ 6-2 loss in the season-opening series finale.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025
After opening the 2025 season on the road with four games against the Seattle Mariners, the A’s will host the Chicago Cubs for three games — Monday, March 31, through Wednesday, April 2 — at Sutter Health Park.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opening
Noun
-
Riley took the opportunity to ask Pitt about the 8-year-long legal battle after his ex-wife, actress Angelina Jolie, first filed for divorce on Sept. 20, 2016.—
Sara Vallone,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2025
-
That’s not just a number — that’s more teachers in classrooms, more help for struggling students and more opportunities for success.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Momentum breeds momentum: each successful float provides price discovery that the next issuer can cite, widening the aperture a little more.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
Functionality: Focal range and fast maximum aperture aside, the 8-16mm features a manual aperture ring like many Fujifilm lenses.—
James Abbott,
Space.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
In addition to his recent deep dive into the 2023 porch footage, Torre has also been behind several bombshells dropped about Hudson and Belichick, who have a 49-year age gap.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
That leaves a yearlong gap between The Fantastic 4: First Steps and Brand New Day, the longest break in Marvel movies since COVID.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Four out of the five former Biden White House officials tapped for congressional interviews have made initial contact with the committee via their lawyers since the chairman sent his letters on May 22, a source familiar with the panel’s work told the Washington Examiner.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
29 May 2025
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The Three Components: Decoding The P’s Financial plans can often follow a standard, cookie-cutter approach if advisors do not delve deeply enough during the initial discovery process or in ongoing discussions.—
Monish Verma,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
Financial clout is not an issue, but unlocking the riches of being in the Champions League and its revenue is an ongoing challenge.—
Jacob Tanswell,
The Athletic,
26 Dec. 2024
-
Advertisement The film also understands the power of unlocking such a dynamic, without being gratuitous about the visual details.—
Laura Ramadei,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Jackson is also considering expanding her part-time interior decorating business.—
Barbara Bry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Wood was recognized for her leadership in creating and expanding the district’s TRACprogram—Teamwork, Regulation, Acceptance, and Community.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Russian Space Agency also has launched its share of space tourists, beginning with a California financier in 2001.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
-
In at least one way, Bonhoeffer was right — another part of his life was just beginning.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
After the lengthy delay, LAFC had a golden chance on the ensuing free kick, with the ball into América’s box falling for Nathan Ordaz in clear shooting range.—
Avi Creditor,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
-
Everyone has a chance to join Team Ocean — which can mean taking part in beach cleanups, educating yourself and others about the ocean or taking part in local sustainability efforts.—
Jenna DiPaolo,
Sun Sentinel,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opening. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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