What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reopen
Example
The restaurant will reopen next week after being closed for renovations. [reopen: verb]
Example
The school plans to reopen in-person classes in the fall. [reopen: verb]
Example
The government decided to reopen the borders to tourists. [reopen: verb]
restart
Example
I had to restart my computer because it froze. [restart: verb]
Example
The factory had to restart production after a power outage. [restart: verb]
Example
We need to restart this project from scratch. [restart: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restart is more commonly used than reopen in everyday language, especially in the context of technology or work-related situations. Reopen is less common and usually used in the context of public places or events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reopen and restart?
Both reopen and restart are often used in a professional or formal context, but restart may be slightly more technical or specialized due to its association with machines or programs.