open-and-shut

adjective

ˈō-pən-ən(d)-ˈshət How to pronounce open-and-shut (audio)
Definition of open-and-shutnext
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation an open-and-shut case of robbery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of open-and-shut Her payments were spotty, the lawyer said, but overall, the case had been open-and-shut. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 18 Mar. 2026 Lamar Jackson makes that an open-and-shut case. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 6 Jan. 2026 As the years wore on, police and prosecutors released no updates to the public on why a case presented as open-and-shut was taking so long to reach a jury. — Kyle Hopkins, ProPublica, 24 Dec. 2025 The killings initially appeared to be an open-and-shut case of murder-suicide, at the hands of Jeremy’s sister, Sheila. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open-and-shut
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open-and-shut
  1. obvious
  2. apparent
  3. straightforward
  4. unmistakable
  5. evident
  6. clear
  7. distinct
Adjective
  • The proximity makes a team’s flaws so obvious, which is why fans sometimes fixate on the three or four major problems with their team rather than highlight the strengths of the group.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Oakley said there were no obvious signs of foul play or trauma.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • The Will County Coroner’s Office ruled his death as an apparent homicide.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The ring of material surrounding Sgr A* would be about four degrees across—about half the apparent size of your outstretched fist.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • Democrats, with their signature concern for minority rights, had additional reasons to distrust straightforward majority rule.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Your husband merely identified the obvious, most vicious enemy of the people in straightforward terms.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • Wilde cultivated an unmistakable appearance through his clothing, aestheticism, and flamboyance.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Wonder Woman’s costume is an unmistakable part of her enduring appeal.
    — Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • This issue is particularly evident among younger employees, as 20% of Gen Z workers report experiencing loneliness frequently—approximately double the rate reported by Millennials.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Boise State is among college football’s top teams for returning talent in 2026, and that fact is perhaps no more evident than in the running back room.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • On Friday, Davide Ancelotti, Lille’s head coach, confirmed Fernandez-Pardo, who had made clear his desire to leave, would not train with the squad until after Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Kayley and Nathan’s efforts are intercut with Kasandra opening her birthday present from Jeff (whose airways are now totally clear), a $100,000 diamond necklace.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • Transplants of muscle stem cells are a promising avenue for research, having distinct advantages over other tissues in their ability to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and limitations on rapid growth.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, active adult rental has begun to emerge as a distinct property type.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of distinct

Browse Nearby Words

open air
open-and-shut
open arms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open-and-shut.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open-and-shut. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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