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o·pen

open

 
 
pronunciation:
o pn
parts of speech:
adjective, transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
phrases:
open up
features:
Word Combinations (adjective, verb), Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: allowing entry or access; not shut, enclosed, or fastened.
A cool breeze came through the open window.
 
synonyms:
accessible
antonyms:
closed
similar words:
agape, ajar, free, uncovered, unfastened, unlatched, unlocked, wide-open, yawning
definition 2: unobstructed or clear of trees, structures, or the like.
The deer bounded across the open field.
similar words:
bare, clear, empty, passable, treeless, vacant
definition 3: that may be attended or taken part in by all; public.
There will be an open meeting concerning the building project so that citizens may express their views.
synonyms:
free, public
antonyms:
closed, private, secret
similar words:
general
definition 4: available, as a job or position.
The elementary school has two positions open for new teachers.
synonyms:
available, unfilled, vacant
antonyms:
filled
similar words:
up for grabs, void
definition 5: behaving without secrecy; frank; candid; forthcoming.
She is surprisingly open about her problems.
synonyms:
candid, direct, forthcoming, frank, outspoken
antonyms:
clandestine, furtive, hidden, mysterious, private, reserved, secretive, stealthy
similar words:
aboveboard, artless, barefaced, downright, forthright, guileless, informative, ingenuous, plain, public, sincere, straightforward
definition 6: not yet decided on or concluded.
That is still an open question and will require a good deal more discussion.
synonyms:
indeterminate, undecided, unresolved, unsettled
similar words:
debatable, moot
definition 7: prepared to do business.
We're all excited that the new swimming pool is finally open.The store will stay open late during the week before Christmas.The bank is not open until nine o'clock.
antonyms:
closed
definition 8: receptive, as to ideas or perceptions.
I have some ideas in mind, but I'm open to suggestions too.
synonyms:
receptive, susceptible
antonyms:
closed
similar words:
accessible, agreeable, amenable, free, open-minded, tolerant
definition 9: spread out or extended, as a flower.
She welcomed us with open arms.The roses are all open today.
synonyms:
extended, outspread
antonyms:
closed
similar words:
blooming, blossoming, spread, unfolded, wide
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: opens, opening, opened
definition 1: to change from being shut or closed.
I opened the door to let the dog in.
antonyms:
close, shut
similar words:
clear, force, jimmy, part, pry, spread, unbolt, unclose, unfasten, unlatch, unlock, unseal
definition 2: to remove obstacles or blockages from, so as to allow passage.
They removed the fallen trees to open the path.This medication is supposed to open your nasal passages.
synonyms:
clear, unblock, unstop
antonyms:
bar, close
similar words:
blaze, burst, flush, smooth
definition 3: to expose to view; reveal.
She opened her presents with a great deal of anticipation.He opened his heart to her.
synonyms:
expose, reveal, uncover
antonyms:
conceal, cover, veil
similar words:
bare, burst, disclose, exhibit, present, unclose, unveil, unwrap
definition 4: to begin or set in process.
She opened the conference with a short speech.
synonyms:
begin, commence, start
antonyms:
close, conclude
similar words:
embark upon, initiate, introduce, kick off, launch, preface, usher in
definition 5: to make ready to do business.
They plan to open two new stores next year.
antonyms:
close, shut
definition 6: to spread out or extend, as wings.
The bird opened its wings and flew away.
synonyms:
expand, outspread, spread
antonyms:
close, shut
similar words:
extend, stretch, unfold, unfurl
definition 7: to make an opening as in a wound or abscess.
The doctor opened the wound to remove the bits of broken glass.
synonyms:
lance
antonyms:
close
similar words:
cut, incise
definition 8: to make receptive (often fol. by "up").
Making friends at college opened us up to new ideas.
antonyms:
close
similar words:
acquaint, disarm, edify, familiarize, introduce
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to become open.
The door opened, and a young woman entered the room.
antonyms:
close, shut
similar words:
burst, dilate, expand, gape, part, rupture, unclose, widen
definition 2: to become accessible or available.
These tables will open shortly, and then we will be able to seat you.
similar words:
arise, clear, come up
definition 3: to start or be set in process.
His new play opens next week.
synonyms:
begin, commence, start
antonyms:
close
similar words:
dawn, originate
definition 4: to become spread out or extended (often fol. by "out").
The umbrella opens by pushing this button.The flowers are all opening now.
synonyms:
spread, unfold
antonyms:
close
similar words:
bloom, blossom, expand, extend, flower, part, unfurl
definition 5: to become exposed to view (often fol. by "up").
This new evidence opens up many possibilities.
similar words:
appear, clear, emerge, show, surface, unwrap
definition 6: to become receptive, as to ideas (often fol. by "up").
My dad has always been very traditional, but he's starting to open up to some new ways of thinking.
antonyms:
close
similar words:
expand, loosen up, unbend
definition 7: to become available for business.
What time does the bank open?
antonyms:
close
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: open up
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: any clear, extensive space, esp. the outdoors (often prec. by "the").
I couldn't tolerate an office job; I need to be out in the open.
synonyms:
open air, out-of-doors, outdoors, outside
similar words:
clear
definition 2: the condition of lacking secrecy or concealment (usu. prec. by "the").
Bring the truth out into the open.
similar words:
daylight
definition 3: a contest available to entry by all.
He played well in the recent golf open.
antonyms:
invitational
similar words:
championship, competition, contest, meet
derivations: openly (adv.), opener (n.), openness (n.)
Word Builder: open +
  • opener:
    a device that opens cans or other things.
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