reopen

verb

re·​open (ˌ)rē-ˈō-pən How to pronounce reopen (audio)
-ˈō-pᵊm
reopened; reopening; reopens
Synonyms of reopennext

transitive verb

1
: to open again
2
a
: to take up again : resume
reopen discussion
b
: to resume discussion or consideration of
reopen a contract
3
: to begin again

intransitive verb

: to open again
school reopens in September

Synonyms of reopen

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Examples of reopen in a Sentence

The restaurant will reopen in April. I'm sorry, but the store is closed. We reopen at nine on Monday. The cut on his knee reopened when he tried to run. The company announced plans to reopen its Detroit factory. a procedure to reopen a clogged artery The district attorney reopened the murder case because new evidence was found. He wants the team to reopen his contract.
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.
Burnham’s approach marks a departure after years in which both Conservative and Labour governments have avoided reopening the painful Brexit debate. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Following extensive renovations, the market reopened in 2000. — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026 The restaurant has yet to be reinspected, but has since reopened. — Eva Flowe october 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 Waffle House locations plan to reopen once Isaias passes through the area. — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reopen

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reopen was in 1605

Phrases Containing reopen

Rhymes for reopen

See All Rhymes for reopen

Browse Nearby Words

re-oil
reopen
reopen old wounds
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reopen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reopen. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reopen

verb
re·​open (ˈ)rē-ˈō-pən How to pronounce reopen (audio)
-ˈōp-ᵊn
1
: to open again
2
: to take up again : resume
reopen the discussion

Legal Definition

reopen

transitive verb
re·​open ˌrē-ˈō-pən How to pronounce reopen (audio)
1
: to take up again
reopen discussion
2
: to resume the discussion or consideration of (a closed matter)
reopen the contract to negotiate benefits
3
: to try or hear (an action) anew especially for the purpose of hearing new evidence
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