wide-open

adjective

ˈwīd-ˈō-pən How to pronounce wide-open (audio)
-ˌō-
: having virtually no limits or restrictions
a wide-open town

Examples of wide-open 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.
Denys Kostyshyn sprung Moshobane for a wide-open breakaway in the 83rd minute. — Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 The wide-open action that has differentiated it from Madden is still present. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 Spoiled by their success A wide-open primary for governor without a debate sucks the suspense out of the room. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026 On Thursday, windows and doors at the formerly wide-open home, about 60 miles southeast of Columbus, had been boarded up. — Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wide-open

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wide-open was in 1858

Rhymes for wide-open

See All Rhymes for wide-open

Browse Nearby Words

wide of the mark
wide-open
wideout
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wide-open.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wide-open. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wide-open

Nglish: Translation of wide-open for Spanish Speakers

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