open-ended

adjective

open-end·​ed ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd How to pronounce open-ended (audio)
: 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.
Unlike its recent games, Intergalactic will be a much more open-ended affair. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 But getting the technology to follow open-ended commands reliably remains a challenge, with the risk that errors could translate into costly and hard-to-undo mistakes. Will Knight, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024 At the same time, contemporary art is the one kind that keeps changing, so in this grand repository of civilization’s history, the new wing must be conceived as an open-ended vessel of the future. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Dec. 2024 And there were fears that a direct clash between Iran and Israel would result in an open-ended conflagration that would draw in the United States and other countries. Abigail Williams, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near open-ended

Cite this Entry

“Open-ended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-ended. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on open-ended

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!