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.
During a March 2025 episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Amanda Seyfried opened up about her experience auditioning for the role of Glinda in Wicked not just once, but six times. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 But once the probability passes a threshold called the critical probability, the lattice suddenly opens up. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 While Nash and Betts are currently celebrating their own wedding anniversary, the Scream Queens actress recently opened up about their experience attending Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding on July 3. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 31 Aug. 2026 Catherine’s heart is opening up, and in some ways Alice is closing off, and getting darker and stronger. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 31 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 4 Sep. 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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