open
1 of 3adjective
ˈō-pən 
-pᵊm
opener ; openest
ˈōp-nər,
ˈō-pə- ; openest ˈōp-nəst,
ˈō-pə- 1
: having no enclosing or confining barrier : accessible on all or nearly all sides
cattle grazing on an open range
2
a(1)
: being in a position or adjustment to permit passage : not shut or locked
an open door
(2)
: having a barrier (such as a door) so adjusted as to allow passage
the house was open
b
: having the lips parted
stood there with his mouth wide open
c
: not buttoned or zipped
an open shirt
3
a
: completely free from concealment : exposed to general view or knowledge
their hostilities eventually erupted with open war
b
: exposed or vulnerable to attack or question : subject
open to doubt
c
: being an operation or surgical procedure in which an incision is made such that the tissues are fully exposed
4
a
: not covered with a top, roof, or lid
an open car
her eyes were open
b
: having no protective covering
open wiring
5
a
: having the skin cracked, cut, or broken so that underlying tissue is exposed
abrasions, lacerations, and other open wounds
see also open fracture b
of a head injury : marked by fracture or penetration of the skull
6
: not restricted to a particular group or category of participants
open to the public
open housing
: such as a
: enterable by both amateur (see amateur sense 1) and professional (see professional entry 1 sense 2a) contestants
an open tournament
b
: enterable by a registered voter regardless of political affiliation
an open primary
7
a
: presenting no obstacle to passage or view : : not enclosed, obstructed, or filled with objects
the open road
open country
see also open water b
of large bodies of water : away from the coastal regions : pelagic
fish of the open ocean
In open seas, the smaller the ship, the more motion you can expect.
Matt Hannafin et al.
Matt Hannafin et al.8
: having the parts or surfaces laid out in an expanded position : spread out : unfolded
an open book
9
a(1)
: low sense 15
an open vowel
(2)
: formed with the tongue in a lower position
Italian has an open and a close e
b(1)
: having clarity and resonance unimpaired by undue tension or constriction of the throat
an open vocal tone
(2)
of a tone : produced by an open string or on a wind instrument by the lip without the use of slides, valves, or keys
10
a
: available to follow or make use of
the only course open to us
b
: not taken up with duties or engagements
keep an hour open on Friday
c
: not finally decided : subject to further consideration
the salary is open
an open question
d
: available for a qualified applicant : vacant
the job is still open
e
: remaining available for use or filling until canceled
an open order for more items
f
: available for future purchase
these items are in open stock
g
: available for breeding : not now pregnant
an open heifer
h
computers : not proprietary : available to third party developers
But while IBM pushes Notes, a proprietary technology created in the 1980s, a raft of new and much smaller rivals is plying the "open" technology of the 1990s: software on the World Wide Web, the fastest growing part of the Internet. Bart Ziegler
compare open-source Bart Ziegler11
a
: characterized by ready accessibility and usually generous attitude: such as
(1)
: generous in giving
(2)
: willing to hear and consider or to accept and deal with : responsive
open to an offer
open to suggestion
(3)
: free from reserve or pretense : frank
was open about his personal life
(4)
of a relationship : not restricted to one partner at a time by mutual agreement see also open marriage
b
: accessible to the influx of new factors (such as foreign goods)
an open market
12
a
: having openings, interruptions, or spaces
open mesh
: such as (1)
: being porous (see porous sense 2a) and friable
open soil
(2)
: sparsely distributed : scattered
open population
(3)
of a compound : having components (see component entry 1 sense 1) separated by a space in writing or printing (such as opaque projector)
b
: not made up of a continuous closed circuit (see circuit entry 1 sense 2a) of channels
the insect circulatory system is open
13
a
of an organ pipe : not stopped at the top
b
of a string on a musical instrument : not stopped by the finger
14
: being in operation
an open microphone
especially : ready for business, patronage, or use
the store is open from 9 to 5
the new highway will be open next week
15
a(1)
: characterized by lack of effective regulation of various commercial enterprises (see enterprise sense 2)
an open town
(2)
: not repressed (see repress sense 1) by legal controls
open gambling
b
: free from checking or hampering restraints
an open economy
c
: relatively unguarded by opponents
passed to an open teammate
16
: having been opened by a first ante, bet, or bid
the bidding is open
17
of punctuation : characterized by sparing use especially of the comma when possible without causing misinterpretation
18
mathematics
a
: containing none of its endpoints
an open interval
b
: being a set or composed of sets each point of which has a neighborhood all of whose points are contained in the set
the interior of a sphere is an open set
19
a
: being an incomplete electrical circuit
b
: not allowing the flow of electricity
an open switch
20
of a universe : having insufficient mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) to halt expansion gravitationally
open adverb
openly
ˈō-pən-lē
adverb openness
ˈō-pə(n)-nəs
noun open
2 of 3verb
opened ˈō-pənd
ˈō-pᵊmd
; opening ˈōp-niŋ,
ˈō-pə- transitive verb
1
a
: to move (something, such as a door) from a closed position
b
: to make available for entry or passage by turning back (something, such as a barrier) or removing (something, such as a cover or an obstruction)
2
a
: to make available for or active in a regular function
open a new store
b
: to make accessible for a particular purpose
opened new land for settlement
c
: to initiate access to (a computer file) prior to use
3
a
: to disclose or expose to view : reveal
b
: to make more discerning or responsive : enlighten
must open our minds to the problems
c
: to bring into view or come in sight of by changing position
4
a
: to make an opening in
opened the boil
b
: to loosen and make less compact
open the soil
5
: to spread out : unfold
opened the book
6
a
: to enter upon : begin
opened the meeting
b
: to commence action in a card game by making (a first bid), putting a first bet in (the pot), or playing (a card or suit) as first lead
7
: to restore or recall (something, such as an order) from a finally determined state to a state in which the parties are free to prosecute or oppose
intransitive verb
1
: to become open
the office opened early
2
a
: to spread out : expand
the wound opened under the strain
b
: to become disclosed
a beautiful vista opened before us
3
: to become enlightened or responsive
4
: to give access
the rooms open onto a hall
5
: speak out sense 2
finally he opened freely on the subject
6
a
: to begin a course or activity
b
: to make a bet, bid, or lead in commencing a round or hand of a card game
7
: to provide the opening performance of a show before the main event
openability noun
ˌōp-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē
ˌō-pə- openable adjective
ˈōp-nə-bəl
ˈō-pə- open
3 of 3noun
1
: opening
2
: open and unobstructed space: such as
a
: open air
b
: open water
3
: an open contest, competition, or tournament
4
: a public or unconcealed state or position
Synonyms
Adjective
- clear
- cleared
- free
- unclogged
- unclosed
- unobstructed
- unstopped
Verb
- unclose
Noun
- nature
- open air
- out-of-doors
- outdoors
- wild
- wilderness
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective The door suddenly swung open. You left the blinds wide open. The meat was roasted over an open fire. I was so tired that I couldn't keep my eyes open. Don't chew with your mouth open. staring with her eyes wide open There's already an open jar of pickles in the refrigerator. They kept the road open throughout the winter. Verb This door is hard to open. “Open the door!” shouted the police officer. Would you mind if I opened a window? The car door opened and a beautiful woman stepped out. The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room. This drawer is stuck. It just won't open! She comes home, turns on the TV, and starts opening her mail. She opened her eyes and smiled at me. I opened my umbrella and stepped out into the rain. “Open your mouth wide for me,” said the dentist. Noun a daguerreotype of a cowboy whose face is roughened from a hard life in the open See More
Recent Examples on the Web Xl Media, cleveland, 11 Sep. 2022 Lamont said Connecticut weathered the early months of the COVID-19 crisis by keeping open manufacturers, construction work, parks, beaches and golf courses. Stephen Singer, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2022 Season 5 leaves plenty of threads open to follow in the future, and all of them are good ones. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 11 Sep. 2022 Some Google employees say Google’s culture has grown less open. WIRED, 11 Sep. 2022 Robinson was arrested on Nov. 23 after both women’s bodies were found in an open lot in a commercial district in Harrisonburg. Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2022 With a pro-republic Labor Party government in power, Australia’s constitutional ties to the British monarchy will again be open to debate for the first time since change was rejected in a 1999 referendum. Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 11 Sep. 2022 DeMint went on to win the open seat by nearly 10 percentage points, a margin typical in recent South Carolina statewide elections. Meg Kinnard, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2022 On Saturday’s no-frills, open-lit stage, Clapton served up his distinct licks and Stratocaster tones joined by a band that included several longtime accompanists. Brian Mccollum, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2022 Emma Balter, Chron, 12 Sep. 2022 Phipps Plaza owner Simon Property Group on Monday announced Hermès will open a new boutique at the posh Buckhead mall. Zachary Hansen, ajc, 12 Sep. 2022 The full slate of River Center dining options is to open in spring 2023. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2022 Typically the Heat talk about playing fast during the preseason, attempt to open seasons doing so, and then, invariably, the turnovers go up and the pace goes down. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2022 Instead of going through the formulaic questioning, the queen paused and asked him to open a box on the table, Roscoe said. Jean-nicholas Fievet, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, Sherman and Thompson had entered into a partnership with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board to open a restaurant in a new riverfront park. Carolyn Kormann, The New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2022 Village at Prasada is a new West Valley development located at Loop 303 and Waddell Road that promises to open 700,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and entertainment in fall 2022. Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 12 Sep. 2022 He is tasked with helping the company open a corporate location of the chain in Southern California and secure contracts for 19 franchise stores. Suhauna Hussainstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2022 Stefene Russell, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Sep. 2022 Wisely, though, Lafarge leaves the central question of the novel open. Ella Fox-martens, The Atlantic, 3 Sep. 2022 After marking each one, stitch the slotted areas in a straight vertical line, leaving the top open. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2022 Plopping down on a green velvet couch and adjusting the mic stand before her, Meghan wore a brown-and-white pinstriped blouse from Anthropologie, leaving the neck tie open. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 23 Aug. 2022 Hinch wanted Soto to challenge Abreu, rather than pitching around him or intentionally walking him with first base open. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 8 July 2022 Sergeant Monti ordered his men to set up a defensive post behind a rock formation, then noticed that Private First Class Brian Bradbury was injured and lying out in the open with the enemy forces advancing. Bryan Marquard, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Aug. 2022 The family circle and gallery is set well back from the balcony line, avoiding the cavernous appearance so often noticeable from the stage, and enabling the occupants of balcony seats to fee out in the open. San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2022 Fitted with electronic collars, dogs are turned loose to face off with rattlesnakes, some in cages and some slithering in the open. Jim Carlton, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2022 See More
Adjective
This type of welcome offer is one FanDuel won’t keep open for very long. Xl Media, cleveland, 11 Sep. 2022 Lamont said Connecticut weathered the early months of the COVID-19 crisis by keeping open manufacturers, construction work, parks, beaches and golf courses. Stephen Singer, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2022 Season 5 leaves plenty of threads open to follow in the future, and all of them are good ones. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 11 Sep. 2022 Some Google employees say Google’s culture has grown less open. WIRED, 11 Sep. 2022 Robinson was arrested on Nov. 23 after both women’s bodies were found in an open lot in a commercial district in Harrisonburg. Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2022 With a pro-republic Labor Party government in power, Australia’s constitutional ties to the British monarchy will again be open to debate for the first time since change was rejected in a 1999 referendum. Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 11 Sep. 2022 DeMint went on to win the open seat by nearly 10 percentage points, a margin typical in recent South Carolina statewide elections. Meg Kinnard, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2022 On Saturday’s no-frills, open-lit stage, Clapton served up his distinct licks and Stratocaster tones joined by a band that included several longtime accompanists. Brian Mccollum, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2022 Verb
The team plans to open with eight different beers and will likely go up to 12, with eight core beers and four rotating seasonals. Emma Balter, Chron, 12 Sep. 2022 Phipps Plaza owner Simon Property Group on Monday announced Hermès will open a new boutique at the posh Buckhead mall. Zachary Hansen, ajc, 12 Sep. 2022 The full slate of River Center dining options is to open in spring 2023. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2022 Typically the Heat talk about playing fast during the preseason, attempt to open seasons doing so, and then, invariably, the turnovers go up and the pace goes down. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2022 Instead of going through the formulaic questioning, the queen paused and asked him to open a box on the table, Roscoe said. Jean-nicholas Fievet, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, Sherman and Thompson had entered into a partnership with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board to open a restaurant in a new riverfront park. Carolyn Kormann, The New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2022 Village at Prasada is a new West Valley development located at Loop 303 and Waddell Road that promises to open 700,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and entertainment in fall 2022. Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 12 Sep. 2022 He is tasked with helping the company open a corporate location of the chain in Southern California and secure contracts for 19 franchise stores. Suhauna Hussainstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2022 Noun
The Hargraves said that the big push right now is just to get the restaurant open, but that part of the business model with Celebrity’s is to support community organizations. Stefene Russell, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Sep. 2022 Wisely, though, Lafarge leaves the central question of the novel open. Ella Fox-martens, The Atlantic, 3 Sep. 2022 After marking each one, stitch the slotted areas in a straight vertical line, leaving the top open. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2022 Plopping down on a green velvet couch and adjusting the mic stand before her, Meghan wore a brown-and-white pinstriped blouse from Anthropologie, leaving the neck tie open. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 23 Aug. 2022 Hinch wanted Soto to challenge Abreu, rather than pitching around him or intentionally walking him with first base open. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 8 July 2022 Sergeant Monti ordered his men to set up a defensive post behind a rock formation, then noticed that Private First Class Brian Bradbury was injured and lying out in the open with the enemy forces advancing. Bryan Marquard, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Aug. 2022 The family circle and gallery is set well back from the balcony line, avoiding the cavernous appearance so often noticeable from the stage, and enabling the occupants of balcony seats to fee out in the open. San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2022 Fitted with electronic collars, dogs are turned loose to face off with rattlesnakes, some in cages and some slithering in the open. Jim Carlton, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective, Verb, and Noun
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German offan open, Old English ūp up
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing open
Kids Definition
open 1 of 3
adjective
ˈō-pən
1
: not shut or blocked : not closed
an open window
open books
2
: not sealed, locked, or fastened
an open zipper
There's an open bottle of ketchup in the refrigerator.
3
: easy to enter, get through, or see
open country
4
: ready to consider appeals or ideas
an open mind
5
: not drawn together : spread out
an open flower
open umbrellas
6
: not enclosed or covered
an open boat
an open fire
7
: not secret : public
They have an open dislike for one another.
8
: to be used, entered, or taken part in by all
an open meeting
It was an open race—any number of dogs could be entered. John Reynolds Gardiner, Stone Fox
John Reynolds Gardiner, Stone Fox9
: not decided or settled
an open question
open
2 of 3verb
opened; opening
1
: to change or move from a shut condition
Sit down and open a book.
The door opened.
She opened her eyes.
2
: to clear by or as if by removing something in the way
Workers were sent to open a road blocked with snow.
3
: to make or become ready for use
They plan to open a store.
The office opens at eight.
4
: to give access
The rooms open onto a hall.
5
: begin sense 1, start
Police have opened an investigation.
They opened fire on the enemy.
open
3 of 3noun
: space that is not enclosed or covered : outdoors
Some slept in a cabin while others slept in the open.
Medical Definition
open 1 of 2
adjective
ˈō-pən
1
a(1)
: having the skin cracked, cut, or broken so that underlying tissue is exposed
abrasions, lacerations, and other open wounds
see also open fracture (2)
of a head injury : marked by fracture or penetration of the skull
b
: not involving or encouraging a covering (as by bandages or overgrowth of tissue) or enclosure
open treatment of burns
c
: being an operation or surgical procedure in which an incision is made such that the tissues and organs are fully exposed compare open-heart
2
: shedding the infectious agent to the exterior
open tuberculosis
compare closed sense 3 3
a
: unobstructed by congestion or occlusion
open sinuses
b
: not constipated
open bowels
4
: using a minimum of physical restrictions and custodial restraints on the freedom of movement of the patients or inmates
an open psychiatric ward
open
2 of 2verb
opened; opening
transitive verb
1
a
: to make available for entry or passage by removing (as a cover) or clearing away (as an obstruction)
b
: to free (a body passage) of congestion or occlusion
an inhalator for opening congested nasal passages
open clogged arteries
2
: to make one or more openings in
opened the boil
intransitive verb
: to spread out
the wound opened
Legal Definition
open 1 of 2
adjective
1
: exposed to general view or knowledge : free from concealment
an open, notorious, continuous, and adverse use of the property
an open and obvious danger
Note: When a defect, hazard, or condition is open such that a reasonable person under the circumstances should have recognized the danger posed by it, a defendant is usually relieved of liability for failure to warn.
2
: not restricted to a particular group or category of participants
specifically : enterable by a registered voter regardless of political affiliation
an open primary
3
a
: being in effect or operation
an open mine
a bench warrant still open
b
: available for use
an open toll road
c
: not finally determined, decided, or settled : subject to further consideration
an open question
d
: remaining effective or available for use until canceled
an open insurance contract
4
: not repressed or regulated by legal controls
a state with open gambling
open
2 of 2verb
opened; opening
transitive verb
1
: to begin the process of
open the succession
2
a
: to make the statement by which the trial of (a case) is begun and put before the court
b
: to be the first to speak in summing up or arguing (a case)
3
: to restore or recall (as an order, rule, or judgment) from a finally determined state to a state in which the parties are free to prosecute or oppose by further proceedings
intransitive verb
1
: to begin action : commence on some course or activity
the stock opened at par
2
: to begin the trial of a case
defendant…has the option of presenting an opening statement immediately after plaintiff opens J. H. Friedenthal et al.
J. H. Friedenthal et al.open 1 of 3
verb
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
- unlock
- unclose
- slip
- unbar
- unfasten
- unfold
- unfurl
- unlatch
- disengage
- unzip
- unbolt
- unclasp
- unbutton
- release
- unclench
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- shut
- close
- lock
- bar
- fasten
- bolt
- latch
- button (up)
- clasp
- zip (up)
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
- clear
- free
- unstop
- facilitate
- smooth
- unplug
- unclog
- ease
- loosen (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- close
- stop
- block
- dam (up)
- interfere (with)
- clog (up)
- plug (up)
- hinder
- impede
- hamper
- obstruct
- constrict
- encumber
- blockade
- trammel
- barricade
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
- expand
- extend
- unfold
- unfurl
- outspread
- outstretch
- spread (out)
- flare (out)
- stretch (out)
- fan (out)
- overspread
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- close
- fold
- contract
- reduce
- compact
- compress
- condense
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
- clear
- free
- unblock
- facilitate
- smooth
- unstop
- unchoke
- strip
- ease
- unplug
- unclog
- unclutter
- loosen (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- close
- block
- stop
- dam
- obstruct
- plug
- clog
- clutter (up)
5
as in to begin
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
- begin
- start
- commence
- launch
- found
- create
- get going
- lead off
- set about
- get off
- get to
- initiate
- generate
- organize
- embark (on or upon)
- fall (to)
- kick off
- originate
- adopt
- establish
- innovate
- inaugurate
- strike (into)
- enter (into or upon)
- institute
- take up
- invent
- spawn
- embrace
- take on
- pioneer
- father
- set up
- get around (to)
- get round (to)
- get down (to)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- end
- finish
- stop
- conclude
- terminate
- close
- cease
- complete
- leave
- lay off
- halt
- quit
- discontinue
- desist
- abandon
- destroy
- forsake
- knock off
- abolish
- extinguish
- demolish
- exterminate
- phase out
open
2 of 3adjective
1
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction thank you for clearing out the hallway so that it's open again Synonyms & Similar Words
- cleared
- clear
- unobstructed
- unclosed
- emptied
- navigable
- empty
- wide
- unlocked
- free
- exposed
- unstopped
- gaping
- unclogged
- vacant
- unoccupied
- revealed
- unsealed
- enterable
- yawning
- unlatched
- unfastened
- unfolded
- unbarred
- passable
- unzipped
- unbuttoned
- unfurled
- unbolted
- unclasped
- unclenched
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- closed
- shut
- blocked
- stopped
- stuffed
- plugged
- jammed
- clogged
- obstructed
- uncleared
- impassable
- impassible
- hampered
- constricted
- hindered
- cramped
- gated
- encumbered
- barricaded
- blockaded
- dammed
- impeded
- trammelled
- interfered (with)
- trammeled
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
- public
- unrestricted
- accessible
- available
- shared
- free
- communal
- collective
- free-for-all
- common
- unregulated
- unreserved
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- closed
- private
- restricted
- exclusive
- limited
- off-limits
- inaccessible
- unavailable
3
as in vulnerable
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm the country's open to invasion if its borders remain unguarded Synonyms & Similar Words
- vulnerable
- exposed
- susceptible
- sensitive
- prone
- liable
- endangered
- at risk
- in jeopardy
- in deep water
- unprotected
- uncovered
- likely
- unsecured
- unguarded
- unscreened
- undefended
- subject (to)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unexposed
- protected
- covered
- sheltered
- guarded
- invulnerable
- secured
- shielded
- screened
- unsusceptible
- safeguarded
- warded
- insusceptible
4
as in honest
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions a talkative and open child who tells people more than they want to know Synonyms & Similar Words
- honest
- outspoken
- frank
- candid
- forthcoming
- straight
- direct
- unguarded
- straightforward
- openhearted
- forthright
- plain
- unreserved
- vocal
- blunt
- plainspoken
- unaffected
- earnest
- real
- uninhibited
- out-front
- up-front
- freehearted
- foursquare
- sincere
- free-spoken
- naive
- outgoing
- guileless
- ingenuous
- unrestrained
- unpretentious
- artless
- unpretending
- undesigning
- rude
- innocent
- natural
- vociferous
- sharp
- bluff
- crusty
- gruff
- impolite
- abrupt
- curt
- naïve
- brusque
- inconsiderate
- thoughtless
- tactless
- ungracious
- impertinent
- uncivil
- unmannerly
- unsubtle
- undiplomatic
- brusk
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- quiet
- inhibited
- reserved
- restrained
- uncandid
- reticent
- ambiguous
- unforthcoming
- uncommunicative
- taciturn
- diplomatic
- evasive
- laconic
- civil
- dissembling
- polite
- considerate
- tactful
- equivocal
- tight-lipped
- courteous
- close-mouthed
- circuitous
- politic
5
as in exposed
lacking a usual or natural covering open wounds in his legs Synonyms & Similar Words
- exposed
- peeled
- uncovered
- bare
- stripped
- naked
- revealed
- denuded
- displayed
- unprotected
- bald
- skinned
- shaven
- hairless
- undressed
- unclothed
- divested
- disrobed
- unclad
- furless
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- covered
- overrun
- overgrown
- mantled
- bearded
- hairy
- overspread
6
as in shared
not known by only a select few the two boxers have an open dislike for each other Synonyms & Similar Words
- public
- shared
- broadcast
- general
- aired
- publicized
- on record
- widespread
- published
- communal
- prevalent
- announced
- disclosed
- declared
- current
- unclassified
- advertised
- rumored
- popular
- proclaimed
- divulged
- heralded
- reported
- promulgated
- posted
- rife
- spotlighted
- nonclassified
- well-known
- reputed
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- private
- confidential
- secret
- privy
- classified
- clandestine
- undisclosed
- covert
- unannounced
- unadvertised
- intimate
- personal
- surreptitious
- conspiratorial
- undercover
- concealed
- collusive
- withheld
- reserved
- stifled
- suppressed
- underhanded
- retracted
- repressed
- underhand
- revoked
- silenced
- recanted
7
as in pending
not yet settled or decided that issue will have to remain open until the supervisor can decide Synonyms & Similar Words
- pending
- unresolved
- in hand
- unsettled
- hanging
- undetermined
- undecided
- debatable
- uncertain
- unsure
- moot
- arguable
- disputable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- resolved
- decided
- settled
- established
- confirmed
- determined
- certain
- sure
8
as in impartial
willing to consider new or different ideas she is always open and ready to listen to anyone's suggestions Synonyms & Similar Words
- impartial
- receptive
- neutral
- calm
- unprejudiced
- open-minded
- unbiased
- nonjudgmental
- broad-minded
- tolerant
- objective
- compliant
- susceptible
- dispassionate
- detached
- easygoing
- impressionable
- persuadable
- suggestible
- amenable
- persuasible
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- narrow
- unreceptive
- partial
- biased
- partisan
- prejudiced
- narrow-minded
- intolerant
- bigoted
- one-sided
9
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation he's very open with his opinions, many of which are not welcome Synonyms & Similar Words
- generous
- charitable
- bountiful
- liberal
- free
- benevolent
- openhanded
- bounteous
- unselfish
- kind
- handsome
- munificent
- fulsome
- unstinting
- compassionate
- bighearted
- unsparing
- hospitable
- freehearted
- freehanded
- kindly
- lavish
- big
- sympathetic
- profuse
- openhearted
- philanthropic
- extravagant
- magnanimous
- humanitarian
- altruistic
- beneficent
- overgenerous
- greathearted
- philanthropical
- largehearted
- samaritan
- good-hearted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- close
- small
- tight
- selfish
- cheap
- stingy
- parsimonious
- ungenerous
- miserly
- uncharitable
- tightfisted
- petty
- penurious
- mean
- costive
- niggardly
- spare
- illiberal
- closefisted
- thrifty
- sparing
- frugal
- mingy
- chary
- desirous
- stinting
- avid
- grasping
- avaricious
- acquisitive
- covetous
- itchy
- hoggish
- rapacious
- grudging
- mercenary
- envious
- resentful
- begrudging
- stinting
- coveting
open
3 of 3noun
as in wild
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
- wild
- wilderness
- open air
- outdoors
- country
- desert
- outside
- out-of-doors
- without
- nature
- bush
- frontier
- sticks
- hinterland
- barren
- backwoods
- wasteland
- up-country
- badland
- waste
Synonym Chooser
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
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
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
While the synonyms prone and open are close in meaning, prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.
prone to delay
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
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
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
Phrases Containing open
- unanticipated
- unanticipatedly
- unanxious
- unanxiously
- unapologetic
- unapologetically
- unapologizing
- unapostolic
- unapostolically
- unappalled
- unapparent
- unappealable
- unappealing
- unappealingly
- unappeasable
- unappeasably
- unappeased
- unappetising
- unappetisingly
- unappetizing
- unappetizingly
- unappetizingnesses
- unapplauded
- unapplicable
- unapplied