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.
Chatwin opened up about his experience making the thriller Sleepwalker, which was shot in 2025 and released in January. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 Hayden Panettiere’s death at the age of 36 came just months after the late actress publicly opened up about her estrangement from her mother and former manager, Lesley Vogel. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The Griffins will hope senior offensive lineman Mason Halliman, an Illinois recruit, can open up some holes in the running game. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Task force members narrowed the submissions down to 30 semifinalists in each category before the contest opened up for a public vote. Eric Henderson, CBS News, 18 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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)
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