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Definitions

opener

[oh-puh-ner] / ˈoʊ pə nər /
NOUN
beginning
Synonyms
STRONGEST
birth creation dawn inauguration inception introduction onset opening outset starting point top
STRONG
alpha basis blastoff commencement dawning genesis induction infancy initiation installation kickoff origin origination preface prelude presentation rise root rudiment source spring takeoff threshold
WEAK
day one point of departure square one
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclusion death end ending finish
STRONG
close completion effect epilogue finale result termination
WEAK
consummation goal outcome
NOUN
commencement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
convocation dawning graduation initiation kickoff onset outset
STRONG
admission alpha birth bow celebration countdown dawn genesis opening services start
WEAK
curtain-raiser proem starting point tee off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclusion end ending finish
STRONG
death
WEAK
cessation completion stop
NOUN
curtain raiser
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lead-in warmup
WEAK
countdown curtain lifter curtain warmer inaugural kickoff opening gun opening shot preliminary preview run-up walk-up
NOUN
debut
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appearance beginning inauguration introduction launching presentation
STRONG
admission bow entrance entree entrée graduating graduation incoming initiation
WEAK
coming out coming out party first step
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclusion end ending finish
WEAK
closing finale
NOUN
incipience
Synonyms
STRONG
alpha basis birth blastoff commencement creation dawn dawning genesis inauguration inception incipiency induction infancy initiation installation introduction kickoff launch onset opening origin origination outset preface prelude presentation rise root rudiment source spring start takeoff threshold top
WEAK
day one leadoff point of departure square one starting point
Antonyms
STRONG
close completion conclusion death effect end ending epilogue finale finish result stop termination
NOUN
incipiency
Synonyms
STRONG
alpha basis birth blastoff commencement creation dawn dawning genesis inauguration inception incipience induction infancy initiation installation introduction kickoff launch onset opening origin origination outset preface prelude presentation rise root rudiment source spring start takeoff threshold top
WEAK
day one leadoff point of departure square one starting point
Antonyms
STRONG
close completion conclusion death effect end ending epilogue finale finish result stop termination
NOUN
key
Synonyms
STRONG
latchkey passkey screw skeleton
Antonyms
WEAK
lock question
NOUN
knob
Synonyms
STRONGEST
doorknob latch lever
STRONG
bulge bulk bump bunch hump knot nub projection protrusion protuberance snag stud swell swelling trigger tumor
WEAK
knurl
Antonyms
STRONG
depression
NOUN
leadoff
Synonyms
WEAK
alpha basis birth blastoff commencement creation dawn dawning day one genesis inauguration inception incipience incipiency induction infancy initiation installation introduction kickoff launch onset opening origin origination outset point of departure preface prelude presentation rise root rudiment source spring square one start starting point takeoff threshold top
NOUN
master key
Synonyms
WEAK
pass'-partout passkey skeleton key
NOUN
opening
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commencement inauguration kickoff launch launching 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
NOUN
opening night
Synonyms
WEAK
debut first appearance first night first showing gala opening gala performance premiere preview sneak preview world premiere
NOUN
open sesame
Synonyms
WEAK
abracadabra abraxas access key keyword magic formula password paternoster secret sign watchword
NOUN
origin
Synonyms
STRONGEST
birth genesis
STRONG
alpha commencement creation dawn dawning embarkation emergence entrance entry forging foundation inauguration ingress initiation introduction launch nativity origination outbreak outset rise start
WEAK
blast off day one early stage git go square one starting point
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conclusion end finish
STRONG
close completion death ending exit stop
WEAK
consequence destiny effect finale goal outcome outgrowth result termination
NOUN
starter
Synonyms
STRONG
initiator innovator inventor originator pioneer
Antonyms
WEAK
adherent follower successor

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.

James, meanwhile, had 28 points in 39 minutes, an amazing workload for a 41-year-old, especially considering he played 38 minutes in Saturday’s opener.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

When the first batch of World Cup tickets went on sale in October, the U.S. opener was the third-highest-price match in the tournament, behind only the final and one semifinal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Former World Championship runners-up Barry Hawkins and Matthew Stevens went head-to-head in the evening session with Welshman Stevens taking the opener on the black 61-57 after he had been 57-0 behind.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Unmoved by postseason pressure, superstar LeBron James said he doesn’t plan to change his preparation ahead of the Lakers’ playoff opener against the Houston Rockets on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

She slices the back of the balloon with a hooked letter opener.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton