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
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
as in initial
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of opening
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
Many different factors have made the war in Gaza top of mind during the opening day of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, in a way that Jury President Alexander Payne has yet to process.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Mike Kaye
september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
The Rudin-Diller production of Little Bear Ridge Road begins previews at Broadway’s Booth Theatre on October 7, with an official opening of October 30.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
An avid sports fan, Armani was also behind the uniforms of several soccer teams and crossed his design interest into the hospitality space, opening a line of luxury hotels.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Noun
Seeking to boost its presence, Yangwang showcased the U8L on April 23 during the opening day of the Shanghai Auto Show.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
Many different factors have made the war in Gaza top of mind during the opening day of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, in a way that Jury President Alexander Payne has yet to process.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
After a disastrous opening weekend, Panthers fans are understandably on edge.
—Mike Kaye
september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
The Rudin-Diller production of Little Bear Ridge Road begins previews at Broadway’s Booth Theatre on October 7, with an official opening of October 30.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
His historic trial in Fort Pierce federal court gets underway on Monday with jury selection, followed by opening statements on Thursday.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
An avid sports fan, Armani was also behind the uniforms of several soccer teams and crossed his design interest into the hospitality space, opening a line of luxury hotels.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opening
Noun
-
The company is where the customer pain is sharpest, but Lerner sees a much larger opportunity.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Look for opportunities to plug CCU into existing processes with minimal disruption.—
Peter Bendor-Samuel,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Features and technology inside Iron Beam 450 The Iron Beam 450 gets its name from its 450mm aperture, which is larger than Rafael’s previously announced laser systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The lens sometimes struggles with false colors and ghosting in flare when making images into the sun, not surprising given its large aperture.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Companies are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally held by colleges, universities, and trade schools, creating their own certification programs to address skill gaps that formal education hasn't filled.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Frustrations have been mounting among young people in Nepal over the country's unemployment and wealth gap.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Both companies see this as a step toward unlocking commercial viability for hybrid-electric aviation.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The plan is aimed at unlocking 100 million pounds by fiscal 2027, in addition to the 40 million pounds in cost savings target revealed last year.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of the investigation for the detectives was clearing Leslie's husband of any involvement in the murder.—
Claire Lempert,
ABC News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
A couple-hundred miles east and 180 years earlier, in 1795, an Ontario farmer named John McIntosh came upon a couple dozen apple trees while clearing brush on his property.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Student Experience and Programming — expanding academic programs such as the Capstone Design, the Flowers Invention Studio, and the Student Competition Center by supporting faculty mentors and students.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
France, which plans to recognize a Palestinian state this month at the United Nations, also voiced its opposition to Israel expanding operations in Gaza.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Fed has indeed been too late in beginning to relax monetary policy, and the bank would have known it much earlier with better BLS leadership.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
That means beginning with real underwriting and analysis, not guesswork.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
After the initial outcry, Sanders continued jetting himself around the country.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Before The Beatles and before football came the docks, once the beating heart of Liverpool and the catalyst for the city’s initial growth and prosperity.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opening. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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