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Definitions

opening

[oh-puh-ning] / ˈoʊ pə nɪŋ /
NOUN
gap, hole
Synonyms
STRONG
aperture breach break cavity chink cleft crack cranny crevice cut discontinuity door fissure hatch interstice mouth orifice outlet perforation recess rent rift rupture scuttle slit slot space split spout tear vent window
Antonyms
STRONG
agreement closing closure continuation juncture
WEAK
conclusion ending finish misfortune solid
NOUN
chance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
opportunity show time
STRONG
availability connection cut fling go occasion place possibility run scope shot squeak vacancy whack
WEAK
big break in the running iron in the fire look-in
Antonyms
WEAK
closing closure conclusion ending finish misfortune solid
NOUN
beginning
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commencement inauguration kickoff launch launching opener start
STRONG
birth dawn inception initiation onset outset
WEAK
coming out curtain-raiser
Antonyms
STRONGEST
completion end ending finish stop
STRONG
conclusion
WEAK
closing closure misfortune solid

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He saw an opening to his left, squeezed through it and soon had Ferdinand almost to the rail — and in full gallop.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

The pair would form a key partnership in the opening months.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

The incident unfolded roughly 30 minutes into the dinner, just as guests were being served their opening course.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Surgery doesn’t always have to mean opening the whole chest, Svensson said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

‘Okay, I’m going to tell you what will happen,’ she says, putting her bag on the ground and opening it up.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing opening

Craft and Structure Vocabulary, Unit 1

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