Synonyms: first step, initiative, opening, opening move
Definition: the first of a series of actions
Similar words: start, commencement, beginning
Definition: the act of starting something
Usage: he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations
Synonyms: opening
Definition: the act of opening something
Usage: the ray of light revealed his cautious opening of the door
Similar words: motility, motion, move, movement
Definition: a change of position that does not entail a change of location
Usage: the reflex motion of his eyebrows revealed his surprise; movement is a sign of life; an impatient move of his hand; gastrointestinal motility
Synonyms: opening
Definition: becoming open or being made open
Usage: the opening of his arms was the sign I was waiting for
Similar words: change of integrity
Definition: the act of changing the unity or wholeness of something
Synonyms: chess opening, opening
Definition: a recognized sequence of moves at the beginning of a game of chess
Usage: he memorized all the important chess openings
Similar words: sequence, succession
Definition: the action of following in order
Usage: he played the trumps in sequence
Synonyms: hatchway, scuttle, opening
Definition: an entrance equipped with a hatch; especially a passageway between decks of a ship
Similar words: entrance, entranceway, entree, entry, entryway
Definition: something that provides access (to get in or get out)
Usage: they waited at the entrance to the garden; beggars waited just outside the entryway to the cathedral
Synonyms: opening
Definition: a vacant or unobstructed space that is man-made
Usage: they left a small opening for the cat at the bottom of the door
Synonyms: porta, opening, orifice
Definition: an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity
Usage: the orifice into the aorta from the lower left chamber of the heart
Similar words: passage, passageway
Definition: a path or channel or duct through or along which something may pass
Usage: the nasal passages
Synonyms: possibility, possible action, opening
Definition: a possible alternative
Usage: bankruptcy is always a possibility
Similar words: option, alternative, choice
Definition: one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
Usage: what option did I have?; there no other alternative; my only choice is to refuse
Synonyms: opening
Definition: the initial part of the introduction
Usage: the opening established the basic theme
Similar words: introduction
Definition: the first section of a communication
Synonyms: curtain raising, opening, opening night
Definition: the first performance (as of a theatrical production)
Usage: the opening received good critical reviews
Synonyms: opening
Definition: a ceremony accompanying the start of some enterprise
Similar words: ceremonial, ceremonial occasion, ceremony, observance
Definition: a formal event performed on a special occasion
Usage: a ceremony commemorating Pearl Harbor
Definition: an open or empty space in or between things
Usage: there was a small opening between the trees; the explosion made a gap in the wall
Similar words: space
Definition: an empty area (usually bounded in some way between things)
Usage: the architect left space in front of the building; they stopped at an open space in the jungle; the space between his teeth
Synonyms: opening
Definition: opportunity especially for employment or promotion
Usage: there is an opening in the sales department
Similar words: chance, opportunity
Definition: a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
Usage: the holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington; now is your chance
Synonyms: opening
Definition: first or beginning
Usage: the memorable opening bars of Beethoven's Fifth; the play's opening scene
Similar words: first, beginning
Definition: serving to begin
Usage: the beginning canto of the poem; the first verse
Similar words: first, maiden, initiative, initiatory, inaugural
Definition: serving to set in motion
Usage: the magazine's inaugural issue; the initiative phase in the negotiations; an initiatory step toward a treaty; his first (or maiden) speech in Congress; the liner's maiden voyage
Similar words: introductory
Definition: serving to open or begin
Usage: began the slide show with some introductory remarks
Similar words: starting
Definition: appropriate to the beginning or start of an event
Usage: the starting point; hands in the starting position