open up

verb

opened up; opening up; opens up
Synonyms of open upnext

transitive verb

1
: to make available or possible
The discovery opens up the possibility of new cures.
2
: to make plain or visible : disclose
3
: to open by cutting into

intransitive verb

1
: to become available or possible
The hostess will let us know when a table opens up.
2
: to spread out or come into view
The road opens up ahead.
3
: to commence firing
4
: to become communicative
tried to get the patient to open up

Examples of open up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With patience and selectivity, a tight budget can still open up the universe. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The Starship Troopers actress opened up about their decades-long friendship on the Dumb Blonde podcast and admitted to host Bunnie Xo that their relationship ran deeper than family. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 During a recent appearance at Flash Weekend Chicago Horror Convention (via People), Mulroney opened up about his exit. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 Samantha Morton is opening up about not working after filming Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for open up

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of open up was in 1582

Rhymes for open up

See All Rhymes for open up

Browse Nearby Words

open turn
open up
open up into
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20up. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

open up

verb
1
: to make available
2
: to make visible or come into view
the road opens up ahead
3
: to begin firing (as with a weapon or with questions)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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