open-ended

adjective

open-end·​ed ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd How to pronounce open-ended (audio)
Synonyms of open-endednext
: not rigorously fixed: such as
a
: adaptable to the developing needs of a situation
b
: permitting or designed to permit spontaneous and unguided responses
open-endedness noun

Examples of open-ended 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.
Sanding that motivation down into a more kid-friendly and open-ended spectacle, this adaptation doesn’t broaden Orwell’s message so much as empty it. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026 Holding back or keeping things open-ended slows momentum right now. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 Such walkouts frequently have a beginning and end date, but Local 99’s strike would be open-ended — which means school would be indefinitely closed by the three-union solidarity walkout. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 Second, all events in the campaign are locked to specific car classes before first completion, which will be music to the ears of anyone who ever thought these games were too directionless and open-ended to invite any tension or purpose. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for open-ended

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-ended was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-ended. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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