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.
On Tuesday morning, Adam Rubin, one of the shop’s three co-owners, opened up and faced a gaggle of reporters. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 13 Oct. 2026 At the Homo Faber craft festival in Venice this past September, one such work—its mouth opening up like a blooming flower—had onlookers resisting the urge to touch it. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026 Since becoming a father, Allen has also opened up about how parenthood has changed his perspective on football. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026 Another seat in fashion’s seemingly endless game of designer musical chairs has just opened up. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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)
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