Open vs. Close — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 9, 2024
Open refers to an unobstructed state allowing access or passage, while close means to block access or reduce distance, often leading to a sealed or more secure state.
Difference Between Open and Close
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Open implies a state of accessibility and receptivity, where barriers are removed to allow free movement or communication. Close, on the other hand, signifies a restriction or the act of making something inaccessible, often for protection or privacy.
In a physical context, to open something (like a door or container) means to move it from a closed position, facilitating entry or access to what lies beyond. To close it means to return it to its shut position, preventing access or escape.
Open and close also apply metaphorically to opportunities and interactions. An open approach suggests willingness and transparency, inviting participation and sharing, whereas a close approach implies a guarded or reserved stance, often limiting engagement.
In technology and software, open often refers to systems and resources that are accessible and modifiable by the public, such as open-source software. Close in this context might refer to proprietary systems where access and modification are restricted.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Unobstructed, allowing access or passage
Obstructed, denying access or passage
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Connotation
Accessibility, transparency
Restriction, privacy
Physical action
To move to an unobstructed position
To move to an obstructed position
Metaphorical
Receptive, inviting
Guarded, limited
Technology
Accessible, modifiable (open-source)
Restricted, proprietary
Compare with Definitions
Open
Open implies free access or passage.
The open gate invited visitors into the garden.
Close
Close means to obstruct passage or access.
She closed the book and set it aside after finishing the chapter.
Open
Open can also imply spreading out or making available.
The company is open for business on all weekdays.
Close
Closing something often aims to protect or maintain privacy.
Closing the curtains provided privacy from the outside world.
Open
Openness often suggests a receptive or transparent approach.
The team maintained an open dialogue throughout the project.
Close
Close can signify the end of an event or period.
The meeting came to a close with a summary of key points.
Open
Open environments promote sharing and interaction.
The open office layout encouraged more collaboration among colleagues.
Close
A close approach can restrict or limit openness and sharing.
The closed negotiation process left little room for external input.
Open
To open something is to make its contents accessible.
Opening the app provided immediate access to its features.
Close
To close can mean to seal or secure an opening.
Make sure to close the container tightly to keep the contents fresh.
Open
Allowing access, passage, or a view through an empty space; not closed or blocked
He climbed through the open window
The pass is kept open by snowploughs
She was put in a cubicle with the curtains left open
Close
Only a short distance away or apart in space or time
Her birthday and mine were close together
The hotel is close to the sea
Why don't we go straight to the shops, as we're so close?
Open
Exposed to the air or to view; not covered
An open fire burned in the grate
He crossed the ocean in an open boat
Close
Denoting a family member who is part of a person's immediate family, typically a parent or sibling
The family history of cancer in close relatives
Open
With the outer edges or sides drawn away from each other; unfolded or spread out
The trees had buds and a few open flowers
Close
(of observation, examination, etc.) done in a careful and thorough way
Pay close attention to what your body is telling you about yourself
Open
(of a business, place of entertainment, etc.) admitting customers or visitors; available for business
Parts of the castle are open to the public
The shop stays open until 9 p.m
Close
Uncomfortably humid or airless
It was very close in the dressing room
A close, hazy day
Open
Freely available or accessible; unrestricted
The service is open to all students
Close
Another term for high (sense 7 of the adjective)
Open
Not concealing one's thoughts or feelings; frank and communicative
She behaved in an open and cheerful manner
I was quite open about my views
Close
Very near to someone or something; with very little space between
He was holding her close
They stood close to the door
Open
(of a matter or decision) not finally settled; still admitting of debate
Students' choice of degree can be kept open until the second year
Close
A residential street without through access
She lives at 12 Goodwood Close
Open
(of a vowel) produced with a relatively wide opening of the mouth and the tongue kept low.
Close
The end of an event or of a period of time or activity
The afternoon drew to a close
The seminar was brought to a close with a discussion of future trends
Open
(of a string) allowed to vibrate along its whole length.
Close
The shutting of something, especially a door
The door jerked to a close behind them
Open
(of an electric circuit) having a break in the conducting path.
Close
Move so as to cover an opening
She jumped on to the train just as the doors were closing
They had to close the window because of the insects
She closed the door quietly
I kept closing my eyes and nodding off
Open
Move (a door or window) so as to leave a space allowing access and vision
‘Open up!’ he said
She opened the door and went in
Close
Bring or come to an end
The concert closed with ‘Silent Night’
The members were thanked for attending and the meeting was closed
Open
Unfold or be unfolded; spread out
The eagle opened its wings and circled up into the air
The tail looks like a fan when it is opened out fully
The flowers only open during bright weather
Close
(of a business, organization, or institution) cease to be in operation or accessible to the public, either permanently or at the end of a working day or other period of time
A hoax call which closed the city's stations for 4 hours
The factory is to close with the loss of 150 jobs
Open
Make or become formally ready for customers, visitors, or business
She raised $731 by opening her home and selling coffee and tea
The shops didn't open until 10
Close
Gradually get nearer to someone or something
He tried to walk faster, but each time the man closed up on him again
They plotted a large group of aircraft about 130 miles away and closing fast
Open
Formally establish or begin (a new business, movement, or enterprise)
She began to teach and opened her own school
We opened up a branch in Madrid
Close
Being near in space or time. See Usage Note at redundancy.
Open
Make available or more widely known
New technologies open up thousands of different opportunities
The move may force the company to open up its plans for the future
Close
Being near in relationship
Close relatives.
Open
Break the conducting path of (an electric circuit)
The switch opens the motor circuit
Close
Bound by mutual interests, loyalties, or affections; intimate
Close friends.
Open
Outdoors or in the countryside
Guests were sitting in the open on the terrace
Close
Having little or no space between elements or parts; tight and compact
A close weave.
Open
A championship or competition with no restrictions on who may compete
His victory in the 2003 Australian Open
Close
Being near the surface; short
A close haircut.
Open
An accidental break in the conducting path for an electric current.
Close
Being on the brink of
Close to tears.
Open
Affording unobstructed entrance and exit; not shut or closed.
Close
Decided by a narrow margin; almost even
A close election.
Open
Affording unobstructed passage or view
Open waters.
The open countryside.
Close
Faithful to the original
A close copy.
Open
Having no protecting or concealing cover
An open wound.
An open sports car.
Close
Very attentive; rigorous; thorough
A close reading.
Close supervision.
Open
Completely obvious; blatant
Open disregard of the law.
Close
Shut; closed.
Open
Carried on in full view of others; not hidden or private
Open warfare.
Open family strife.
Close
Shut in; enclosed.
Open
(Sports) Not defended or not closely defended by an opponent
An open goal.
An open receiver.
Close
Confining or narrow; crowded
Close quarters.
Open
Not sealed or tied
An open envelope.
Close
Fitting tightly
Close garments.
Open
Spread out; unfolded
An open book.
Close
Warm and humid or stuffy
Close weather.
A close room.
Open
Having interspersed gaps, spaces, or intervals
Open ranks.
An open weave.
Close
Confined to specific persons or groups
A close secret.
Open
Accessible to all; unrestricted as to participants
An open competition.
Close
Strictly confined or guarded
Kept under close custody.
Open
Free from limitations, boundaries, or restrictions
Open registration.
Close
Secretive; reticent
Was close about her personal life.
Open
Enterable by registered voters regardless of political affiliation
An open primary.
Close
Giving or spending with reluctance; stingy
He is known to be close with his money.
Open
(Computers) Of or relating to a file that can be accessed.
Close
Not easily acquired; scarce
Money was close.
Open
Lacking effective regulation
An open town in which gambling predominated.
Close
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the tongue near the palate, as the ee in meet. Used of vowels.
Open
Not legally repressed
Open drug trafficking.
Close
Marked by more rather than less punctuation, especially commas.
Open
Susceptible; vulnerable
Open to interpretation.
An issue that is open to question.
Close
To move (a door, for example) so that an opening or passage is covered or obstructed; shut.
Open
Willing to consider or deal with something
Open to suggestions.
Close
To bar access to
Closed the road for repairs.
Open
Available; obtainable
The job is still open.
Close
To fill or stop up
Closed the cracks with plaster.
Open
Available for use
An open account.
The only course open to us.
Close
To stop the operations of permanently or temporarily
Closed down the factory.
Open
Ready to transact business
The store is open.
Close
To make unavailable for use
Closed the area to development.
Closed the database to further changes.
Open
Not engaged or filled
Has an open hour for emergency cases.
Close
To bring to an end; terminate
Close a letter.
Close a bank account.
Open
Not yet decided; subject to further thought
An open question.
Close
To bring together all the elements or parts of
Management closed ranks and ostracized the troublemaker.
Open
Characterized by lack of secrecy or reserve; candid
Please be open with me.
Close
To join or unite; bring into contact
Close a circuit.
Open
Not closed.
Close
To draw or bind together the edges of
Close a wound.
Open
Able to be accessed (physically).
Close
(Sports) To modify (one's stance), as in baseball or golf, by turning the body so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact with the ball.
Open
Able to have something pass through or along it.
Turn left after the second open door.
Close
To complete the final details or negotiations on
Close a deal.
Open
(of a body part) not covered, showing what is inside
It was as if his body had gone to sleep standing up and with his eyes open.
Close
(Archaic) To enclose on all sides.
Open
Not physically drawn together, closed, folded or contracted; extended.
An open hand; an open flower
Close
To become shut
The door closed quietly.
Open
(not comparable) Actively conducting or prepared to conduct business.
Banks are not open on bank holidays.
Close
To come to an end; finish
The book closes on a hopeful note.
Open
(comparable) Receptive.
I am open to new ideas.
Close
To reach an agreement; come to terms
We close on the house next week.
Open
(not comparable) Public
He published an open letter to the governor on a full page of the New York Times.
Close
To cease operation
The shop closes at six.
Open
(not comparable) With open access, of open science, or both.
Hopes for all aspects of the project being open rather than paywalled
Close
To be priced or listed at a specified amount when trading ends
Stocks closed higher on Monday.
Open
(not comparable) Candid, ingenuous, not subtle in character.
The man is an open book.
Close
To engage at close quarters
Closed with the enemy.
Open
Mild (of the weather); free from frost or snow.
Close
To draw near
The orbiter closed with the space station in preparation for docking.
Open
Having a free variable.
Close
To come together
My arms closed around the little child.
Open
Which is part of a predefined collection of subsets of , that defines a topological space on .
Close
(Baseball) To finish a game by protecting a lead. Used of relief pitchers.
Open
Whose first and last vertices are different.
Close
The act of closing.
Open
In current use; mapped to part of memory.
I couldn't save my changes because another user had the same file open.
Close
A conclusion; a finish
The meeting came to a close.
Open
To be in a position allowing fluid to flow.
Close
(Music) The concluding part of a phrase or theme; a cadence.
Open
To be in a position preventing electricity from flowing.
Close
(klōs) An enclosed place, especially land surrounding or beside a cathedral or other building.
Open
(business) Not fulfilled.
I've got open orders for as many containers of red durum as you can get me.
Close
(klōs) Chiefly British A narrow way or alley.
Open
Not settled or adjusted; not decided or determined; not closed or withdrawn from consideration.
An open question
To keep an offer or opportunity open
Your account will remain open until we receive final settlement.
Close
(Archaic) A fight at close quarters.
Open
Of a note, played without pressing the string against the fingerboard.
Close
In a close position or manner; closely
Stayed close together.
Open
(wind instruments) Of a note, played without closing any finger-hole, key or valve.
Close
(physical) To remove a gap.
Open
Not of a quality to prevent communication, as by closing waterways, blocking roads, etc.; hence, not frosty or inclement; mild; used of the weather or the climate.
An open winter
Close
To obstruct (an opening).
Open
Written or sent with the intention that it may made public or referred to at any trial, rather than by way of confidential private negotiation for a settlement.
You will observe that this is an open letter and we reserve the right to mention it to the judge should the matter come to trial.
Close
To move so that an opening is closed.
Close the door behind you when you leave.
Jim was listening to headphones with his eyes closed.
Open
(phonetics) Uttered with a relatively wide opening of the articulating organs; said of vowels.
Close
To make (e.g. a gap) smaller.
The runner in second place is closing the gap on the leader.
To close the ranks of an army
Open
(phonetics) Uttered, as a consonant, with the oral passage simply narrowed without closure.
Close
To move to a position preventing fluid from flowing.
Open
That ends in a vowel; not having a coda.
Close
To move to a position allowing electricity to flow.
Open
Made public, usable with a free licence and without proprietary components.
Close
To grapple; to engage in close combat.
Open
(medicine) Resulting from an incision, puncture or any other process by which the skin no longer protects an internal part of the body.
Close
To finish, to terminate.
Open
Source code of a computer program that is not within the text of a macro being generated.
Close
To put an end to; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to consummate.
Close the session;
To close a bargain;
To close a course of instruction
Open
(of a multi-word compound) Having component words separated by spaces, as opposed to being joined together or hyphenated; for example, time slot as opposed to timeslot or time-slot.
Close
To come to an end.
The debate closed at six o'clock.
Open
(transitive) To make something accessible or allow for passage by moving from a shut position.
Turn the doorknob to open the door.
Close
(marketing) To make a sale.
Open
(transitive) To make (an open space, etc.) by clearing away an obstacle or obstacles, in order to allow for passage, access, or visibility.
He opened a path through the undergrowth.
Close
To make the final outs, usually three, of a game.
He has closed the last two games for his team.
Open
To move to a position allowing fluid to flow.
Close
To terminate an application, window, file or database connection, etc.
Open
To move to a position preventing electricity from flowing.
Close
To cancel or reverse (a trading position).
Open
To turn on; to switch on.
Close
To come or gather around; to enclose; to encompass; to confine.
Open
(transitive) To bring up, broach.
I don't want to open that subject.
Close
(surveying) To have a vector sum of 0; that is, to form a closed polygon.
Open
(transitive) To enter upon, begin.
To open a discussion
To open fire upon an enemy
To open trade, or correspondence
To open a case in court, or a meeting
Close
(intransitive) To do the tasks (putting things away, locking doors, etc.) required to prepare a store or other establishment to shut down for the night.
Whoever closed last night forgot to turn off the closet light.
Open
(transitive) To spread; to expand into an open or loose position.
To open a closed fist
To open matted cotton by separating the fibres
To open a map, book, or scroll
Close
(Philippines) To turn off; to switch off.
Open
(transitive) To make accessible to customers or clients.
I will open the shop an hour early tomorrow.
Close
An end or conclusion.
We owe them our thanks for bringing the project to a successful close.
Open
(transitive) To start (a campaign).
Vermont will open elk hunting season next week.
Close
The manner of shutting; the union of parts; junction.
Open
(intransitive) To become open.
The door opened all by itself.
Close
(sales) The point at the end of a sales pitch when the consumer is asked to buy.
Open
(intransitive) To begin conducting business.
The shop opens at 9:00.
Close
A grapple in wrestling.
Open
To begin a side's innings as one of the first two batsmen.
Close
(music) The conclusion of a strain of music; cadence.
Open
To bet before any other player has in a particular betting round in a game of poker.
After the first two players fold, Julie opens for $5.
Close
(music) A double bar marking the end.
Open
To reveal one's hand.
Jeff opens his hand revealing a straight flush.
Close
The time when checkin staff will no longer accept passengers for a flight.
Open
To load into memory for viewing or editing.
Close
An enclosed field.
Open
To make (a bed) ready for a patient by folding back the bedcovers.
Close
(chiefly British) A street that ends in a dead end.
Open
(obsolete) To disclose; to reveal; to interpret; to explain.
Close
(Scotland) A very narrow alley between two buildings, often overhung by one of the buildings above the ground floor.
Open
(with the) Open or unobstructed space; an exposed location.
I can't believe you left the lawnmower out in the open when you knew it was going to rain this afternoon!
Wary of hunters, the fleeing deer kept well out of the open, dodging instead from thicket to thicket.
Close
(Scotland) The common staircase in a tenement.
Open
(with the) Public knowledge or scrutiny; full view.
We have got to bring this company's corrupt business practices into the open.
Close
A cathedral close.
Open
(electronics) A defect in an electrical circuit preventing current from flowing.
The electrician found the open in the circuit after a few minutes of testing.
Close
(legal) The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not enclosed
Open
A sports event in which anybody can compete.
Close
Closed, shut.
Open
The act of something being opened, such as an e-mail message.
Close
Narrow; confined.
A close alley; close quarters
Open
Free of access; not shut up; not closed; affording unobstructed ingress or egress; not impeding or preventing passage; not locked up or covered over; - applied to passageways; as, an open door, window, road, etc.; also, to inclosed structures or objects; as, open houses, boxes, baskets, bottles, etc.; also, to means of communication or approach by water or land; as, an open harbor or roadstead.
Through the gate,Wide open and unguarded, Satan passed.
His ears are open unto their cry.
Close
At a little distance; near.
Is your house close?
Open
Free to be used, enjoyed, visited, or the like; not private; public; unrestricted in use; as, an open library, museum, court, or other assembly; liable to the approach, trespass, or attack of any one; unprotected; exposed.
If Demetrius . . . have a matter against any man, the law is open and there are deputies.
The service that I truly did his life,Hath left me open to all injuries.
Close
Intimate; well-loved.
He is a close friend.
Open
Free or cleared of obstruction to progress or to view; accessible; as, an open tract; the open sea.
Close
(legal) Of a corporation or other business entity, closely held.
Open
Not drawn together, closed, or contracted; extended; expanded; as, an open hand; open arms; an open flower; an open prospect.
Each, with open arms, embraced her chosen knight.
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude.
Open
Without reserve or false pretense; sincere; characterized by sincerity; unfeigned; frank; also, generous; liberal; bounteous; - applied to personal appearance, or character, and to the expression of thought and feeling, etc.
With aspect open, shall erect his head.
The Moor is of a free and open nature.
The French are always open, familiar, and talkative.
Close
Hot, humid, with no wind.
Open
Not concealed or secret; not hidden or disguised; exposed to view or to knowledge; revealed; apparent; as, open schemes or plans; open shame or guilt; open source code.
His thefts are too open.
That I may find him, and with secret gazeOr open admiration him behold.
Close
Articulated with the tongue body relatively close to the hard palate.
Open
Not of a quality to prevent communication, as by closing water ways, blocking roads, etc.; hence, not frosty or inclement; mild; - used of the weather or the climate; as, an open season; an open winter.
Close
Strictly confined; carefully guarded.
A close prisoner
Open
Not settled or adjusted; not decided or determined; not closed or withdrawn from consideration; as, an open account; an open question; to keep an offer or opportunity open.
Close
(obsolete) Out of the way of observation; secluded; secret; hidden.
Open
Free; disengaged; unappropriated; as, to keep a day open for any purpose; to be open for an engagement.
Close
Nearly equal; almost evenly balanced.
A close contest
Open
Uttered with a relatively wide opening of the articulating organs; - said of vowels; as, the än fär is open as compared with the ā in sāy.
Close
Short.
To cut grass or hair close
Open
Not closed or stopped with the finger; - said of the string of an instrument, as of a violin, when it is allowed to vibrate throughout its whole length.
Close
(archaic) Dense; solid; compact.
Open
Open or unobstructed space; clear land, without trees or obstructions; open ocean; open water.
Then we got into the open.
Close
(archaic) Concise; to the point.
Close reasoning
Open
To make or set open; to render free of access; to unclose; to unbar; to unlock; to remove any fastening or covering from; as, to open a door; to open a box; to open a room; to open a letter.
And all the windows of my heartI open to the day.
Close
(dated) Difficult to obtain.
Money is close.
Open
To spread; to expand; as, to open the hand.
Close
(dated) Parsimonious; stingy.
Open
To make known; to discover; also, to render available or accessible for settlements, trade, etc.
The English did adventure far for to open the North parts of America.
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact.
A close translation; a close copy
Open
To enter upon; to begin; as, to open a discussion; to open fire upon an enemy; to open trade, or correspondence; to open an investigation; to open a case in court, or a meeting.
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict.
The patient was kept under close observation.
Open
To loosen or make less compact; as, to open matted cotton by separating the fibers.
Poetry that had opened up so many delightful views into the character and condition of our "bold peasantry, their country's pride."
Close
Marked, evident.en
Open
To unclose; to form a hole, breach, or gap; to be unclosed; to be parted.
The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
Close
Almost, but not quite (getting to an answer or goal); near
No, but you were close.
We were so close to winning!
Open
To expand; to spread out; to be disclosed; as, the harbor opened to our view.
Close
To stop, or fill up, as an opening; to shut; as, to close the eyes; to close a door.
Open
To begin; to commence; as, the stock opened at par; the battery opened upon the enemy.
Close
To bring together the parts of; to consolidate; as, to close the ranks of an army; - often used with up.
Open
To bark on scent or view of the game.
Close
To bring to an end or period; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to end; to consummate; as, to close a bargain; to close a course of instruction.
One frugal supper did our studies close.
Open
A clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water;
Finally broke out of the forest into the open
Close
To come or gather around; to inclose; to encompass; to confine.
The depth closed me round about.
But now thou dost thyself immure and closeIn some one corner of a feeble heart.
Open
Where the air is unconfined;
He wanted to get outdoors a little
The concert was held in the open air
Camping in the open
Close
To come together; to unite or coalesce, as the parts of a wound, or parts separated.
What deep wounds ever closed without a scar?
Open
A tournament in which both professionals and amateurs may play
Close
To end, terminate, or come to a period; as, the debate closed at six o'clock.
Open
Information that has become public;
All the reports were out in the open
The facts had been brought to the surface
Close
To grapple; to engage in hand-to-hand fight.
They boldly closed in a hand-to-hand contest.
Open
Cause to open or to become open;
Mary opened the car door
Close
The manner of shutting; the union of parts; junction.
The doors of plank were; their close exquisite.
Open
Start to operate or function or cause to start operating or functioning;
Open a business
Close
Conclusion; cessation; ending; end.
His long and troubled life was drawing to a close.
Open
Become open;
The door opened
Close
A grapple in wrestling.
Open
Begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.;
He opened the meeting with a long speech
Close
The conclusion of a strain of music; cadence.
At every close she made, the attending throngReplied, and bore the burden of the song.
Open
Spread out or open from a closed or folded state;
Open the map
Spread your arms
Close
An inclosed place; especially, a small field or piece of land surrounded by a wall, hedge, or fence of any kind; - specifically, the precinct of a cathedral or abbey.
Closes surrounded by the venerable abodes of deans and canons.
Open
Make available;
This opens up new possibilities
Close
A narrow passage leading from a street to a court, and the houses within.
Open
Become available;
An opportunity opened up
Close
The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not inclosed.
Open
Have an opening or passage or outlet;
The bedrooms open into the hall
Close
Shut fast; closed; tight; as, a close box.
From a close bower this dainty music flowed.
Open
Make the opening move;
Kasparov opened with a standard opening
Close
Narrow; confined; as, a close alley; close quarters.
Open
Afford access to;
The door opens to the patio
The French doors give onto a terrace
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude; - said of the air, weather, etc.
If the rooms be low-roofed, or full of windows and doors, the one maketh the air close, . . . and the other maketh it exceeding unequal.
Open
Display the contents of a file or start an application as on a computer
Close
Strictly confined; carefully quarded; as, a close prisoner.
Open
Affording unobstructed entrance and exit; not shut or closed;
An open door
They left the door open
Close
Out of the way observation; secluded; secret; hidden.
"Her close intent."
Open
Affording free passage or access;
Open drains
The road is open to traffic
Open ranks
Close
Disposed to keep secrets; secretive; reticent.
Open
With no protection or shield;
The exposed northeast frontier
Open to the weather
An open wound
Close
Having the parts near each other; dense; solid; compact; as applied to bodies; viscous; tenacious; not volatile, as applied to liquids.
The golden globe being put into a press, . . . the water made itself way through the pores of that very close metal.
Open
Open to or in view of all;
An open protest
An open letter to the editor
Close
Concise; to the point; as, close reasoning.
Open
Used of mouth or eyes;
Keep your eyes open
His mouth slightly opened
Close
Adjoining; near; either in space; time, or thought; - often followed by to.
Plant the spring crocuses close to a wall.
The thought of the Man of sorrows seemed a very close thing - not a faint hearsay.
Open
Not having been filled;
The job is still open
Close
Short; as, to cut grass or hair close.
Open
Accessible to all;
Open season
An open economy
Close
Intimate; familiar; confidential.
League with you I seekAnd mutual amity, so strait, so close,That I with you must dwell, or you with me.
Open
Not defended or capable of being defended;
An open city
Open to attack
Close
Nearly equal; almost evenly balanced; as, a close vote.
Open
(of textures) full of small openings or gaps;
An open texture
A loose weave
Close
Difficult to obtain; as, money is close.
Open
Having no protecting cover or enclosure;
An open boat
An open fire
Open sports cars
Close
Parsimonious; stingy.
Open
Opened out;
An open newspaper
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact; strict; as, a close translation.
Open
Of a set; containing points whose neighborhood consists of other points of the same set, or being the complement of an open set; of an interval; containing neither of its end points
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict; not wandering; as, a close observer.
Open
Not brought to a conclusion; subject to further thought;
An open question
Our position on this bill is still undecided
Our lawsuit is still undetermined
Close
Uttered with a relatively contracted opening of the mouth, as certain sounds of e and o in French, Italian, and German; - opposed to open.
Open
Not sealed or having been unsealed;
The letter was already open
The opened package lay on the table
Close
In a close manner.
Open
Without undue constriction as from e.g. tenseness or inhibition;
The clarity and resonance of an open tone
Her natural and open response
Close
Secretly; darkly.
A wondrous vision which did close implyThe course of all her fortune and posterity.
Open
Relatively empty of and unobstructed by fences or hedges or headlands or shoals;
In open country
The open countryside
Open waters
On the open seas
Close
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Open
Open and observable; not secret or hidden;
An overt lie
Overt hostility
Overt intelligence gathering
Close
The last section of a communication;
In conclusion I want to say...
Open
Used of string or hole or pipe of instruments
Close
The concluding part of any performance
Open
Not requiring union membership;
An open shop employs nonunion workers
Close
Cease to operate or cause to cease operating;
The owners decided to move and to close the factory
My business closes every night at 8 P.M.
Open
Possibly accepting or permitting;
A passage capable of misinterpretation
Open to interpretation
An issue open to question
The time is fixed by the director and players and therefore subject to much variation
Close
Complete a business deal, negotiation, or an agreement;
We closed on the house on Friday
They closed the deal on the building
Open
Not secret;
Open plans
An open ballot
Close
Move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut;
Close the door
Shut the window
Open
Without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious;
Open disregard of the law
Open family strife
Open hostility
A blatant appeal to vanity
A blazing indiscretion
Close
Bar access to;
Due to the accident, the road had to be closed for several hours
Open
Affording free passage or view;
A clear view
A clear path to victory
Close
Finish or terminate (meetings, speeches, etc.);
The meeting was closed with a charge by the chairman of the board
Open
Lax in enforcing laws;
An open town
Close
Draw near;
The probe closed with the space station
Open
Openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness;
His candid eyes
An open and trusting nature
A heart-to-heart talk
Close
Come to a close;
The concert closed with a nocturne by Chopin
Open
Sincere and free of reserve in expression;
Please be open with me
Close
Become closed;
The windows closed with a loud bang
Open
Receptive to new ideas;
An open mind
Open to new ideas
Close
Come together, as if in an embrace;
Her arms closed around her long lost relative
Open
Ready for business;
The stores are open
Close
Unite or bring into contact or bring together the edges of;
Close the circuit
Close a wound
Close
Bring together all the elements or parts of;
Management closed ranks
Close
Engage at close quarters;
Close with the enemy
Close
Be priced or listed when trading stops;
The stock market closed high this Friday
My new stocks closed at $59 last night
Close
Cause a window or an application to disappear on a computer desktop
Close
Change one's body stance so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact
Close
Fill or stop up;
Can you close the cracks with caulking?
Close
Finish a game in baseball by protecting a lead;
The relief pitcher closed with two runs in the second inning
Close
At or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other;
Close to noon
How close are we to town?
A close formation of ships
Close
Close in relevance or relationship;
A close family
We are all...in close sympathy with...
Close kin
A close resemblance
Close
Not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances;
Near neighbors
In the near future
They are near equals
His nearest approach to success
A very near thing
A near hit by the bomb
She was near tears
She was close to tears
Had a close call
Close
Rigorously attentive; strict and thorough;
Close supervision
Paid close attention
A close study
Kept a close watch on expenditures
Close
Marked by fidelity to an original;
A close translation
A faithful copy of the portrait
A faithful rendering of the observed facts
Close
(of a contest or contestants) evenly matched;
A close contest
A close election
A tight game
Close
Crowded;
Close quarters
Close
Lacking fresh air;
A dusty airless attic
The dreadfully close atmosphere
Hot and stuffy and the air was blue with smoke
Close
Of textiles;
A close weave
Smooth percale with a very tight weave
Close
Strictly confined or guarded;
Kept under close custody
Close
Confined to specific persons;
A close secret
Close
Fitting closely but comfortably;
A close fit
Close
Used of hair or haircuts;
A close military haircut
Close
Giving or spending with reluctance;
Our cheeseparing administration
Very close (or near) with his money
A penny-pinching miserly old man
Close
Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information;
Although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it
Close
Near in time or place or relationship;
As the wedding day drew near
Stood near the door
Don't shoot until they come near
Getting near to the true explanation
Her mother is always near
The end draws nigh
The bullet didn't come close
Don't get too close to the fire
Close
In an attentive manner;
He remained close on his guard
Common Curiosities
Can a business be open 24/7?
Yes, a business can operate 24/7, meaning it is open all day and night throughout the week, often found in services like convenience stores or online businesses.
What does it mean to keep an open mind?
Keeping an open mind means being willing to consider new ideas and perspectives without prejudice.
What is the difference between an open question and a closed question?
An open question invites expansive, detailed responses, while a closed question typically requires a short or single-word answer, often "yes" or "no."
Why is it important to close a project properly?
Properly closing a project ensures that all tasks are completed, objectives are met, and any learnings are documented for future reference.
Why do some software developers prefer open-source projects?
Developers may prefer open-source projects for the collaborative nature, the ability to modify and improve the code, and the opportunities for learning and community contribution.
What does it mean when a case is closed?
When a case is closed, it means that the investigation or legal process has concluded, and no further action will be taken.
Why is it important to close loops in recycling?
Closing loops in recycling refers to creating a system where materials are reused and recycled continuously, reducing waste and the need for new raw materials.
How does closing a credit card account affect your credit score?
Closing a credit card account can affect your credit score by potentially increasing your credit utilization ratio and shortening your credit history, which are factors in credit scoring.
What precautions should be taken when closing a facility containing hazardous materials?
When closing a facility with hazardous materials, precautions should include safely disposing of or neutralizing the materials, securing the site, and complying with environmental and safety regulations.
How do you close a sales deal effectively?
Closing a sales deal effectively involves understanding the customer's needs, providing clear value, addressing concerns, and creating a sense of urgency or incentive to finalize the agreement.
What does it mean for a company to go public?
For a company to go public means it offers its shares for sale to the general public through a stock exchange, transitioning from a private entity to a publicly-traded company.
What is a closed ecosystem?
A closed ecosystem is a self-sustaining ecological community with minimal or no exchange of matter with the outside environment, often artificially created for study or conservation.
Can keeping an open line of communication improve relationships?
Yes, maintaining an open line of communication can significantly improve relationships by fostering understanding, trust, and collaborative problem-solving.
What does closing a loop in feedback mean?
Closing a loop in feedback means addressing and acting upon feedback received, ensuring the original concerns are resolved, and communicating the outcomes back to the feedback provider.
How can an open house benefit home sellers?
An open house can benefit home sellers by increasing exposure, allowing multiple potential buyers to view the property in a short timeframe, and creating a sense of competition.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
