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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.

Although this capability has not yet been demonstrated, future tests are expected to explore it, potentially opening new possibilities for deep space travel.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

The major U.S. stock indexes fell sharply on the opening bell before recovering most of those losses by midday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Woods was scheduled to attend the opening of “The Patch,” a municipal golf course in Augusta that he helped redesign.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The opening three months have seen a familiar mix: signs of progress, chastening defeats, a coaching change and disruption caused by her health.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

We reach a barbed-wire fence, and Hannie feels around in the darkness for the opening.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.