as in to unleash
to set free (from a state of being held in check)
that last insult unlocked her tongue, and she finally said what she really thought
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unlock
Additional savings can be unlocked inside your home.
—
Karla Radka, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026
Also slightly undersized at 6-10, Cenac joins Ejiofor as a developmental big man with the upside for Lakers coach JJ Redick and his staff to unlock more from him.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 20 June 2026
Notable recent episodes include A$AP Rocky teaching rap, Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff coaching kids for a talent show and Gigi Hadid advising the class on how to unlock their inner confidence.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026
Yet when the lights come up and the idols of her youth begin to sing, something is unlocked.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Karla Radka, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026
Also slightly undersized at 6-10, Cenac joins Ejiofor as a developmental big man with the upside for Lakers coach JJ Redick and his staff to unlock more from him.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 20 June 2026
Notable recent episodes include A$AP Rocky teaching rap, Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff coaching kids for a talent show and Gigi Hadid advising the class on how to unlock their inner confidence.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026
Yet when the lights come up and the idols of her youth begin to sing, something is unlocked.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock
Verb
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In Tennessee, a pickup truck carrying about 1 million bees overturned near Knoxville in April, unleashing a swarm that blanketed the crash scene.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
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In contrast to missteps domestically, Starmer has won praise for his international role, notably in rallying European support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion, and working to mitigate the economic and political turmoil unleashed by the Iran conflict.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
Verb
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In another gun rights case, the justices may loosen a federal law aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous or irresponsible people.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
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This will loosen the soil a bit and make sure your plants are well hydrated.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The Lexington County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy was planned for Saturday and additional information will be released Monday.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
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Los Angeles police Friday released bodycam footage of an officer killing a woman’s pet dog in a case that has sparked outrage and questions.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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