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Synonyms

open question

British  

noun

  1. a matter which is undecided

  2. a question that cannot be answered with a yes or no but requires a developed answer

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

open question Idioms  
  1. An unresolved issue, one that has not been finally determined. For example, Whether the town should pave all the unpaved roads remains an open question. In the mid-1800s this term acquired a specific meaning in the British Parliament, that is, “an issue on which members may vote independently, without respect to their party affiliation.”


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet that still leaves an open question that should make those customers nervous: How much will they be paying for power?

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

"If it does proceed, whether Iran will allow safe passage or instead chooses to fire on escorted vessels is another open question."

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

For now, the true reason behind the rise and disappearance of giant insects remains an open question.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

The open question now is how much progress the countries can make in Pakistan.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

It’s an open question as to what hyenas won't eat.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

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