as in key
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal
it turned out that a simple "please" was the open sesame for charming the hotel manager into giving us a room with a better view
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Recent Examples of open sesame
As Snider used Dorothy as an open sesame to the closed world of Playboy, so Hefner planned to use Dorothy as the open sesame to the closed world of major motion pictures.
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Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
Noun
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It was found empty with a key broken off in the driver's side door lock, according to police.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
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The series finale is still under lock and key.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And through a partnership with The Nature Conservancy started in 2021 where fans can tack an additional $2 donation onto ticket sales, the band has helped get 6 million trees planted around the world.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
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At each stop, around 90% of tickets were distributed to farmers, workers, and students and—partnering with Maya Penn, a 26-year-old organizer and the leader of the Dear Everything Youth Council—the production left some $20,000 for local groups working in the climate space.—
Juan A. Ramírez,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Atlanta serves as a major hub for domestic and international connections, while Vancouver provides a gateway for Canadian fans and those connecting from Asia and the Pacific.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
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Bridge work The Thorn Creek Woods pedestrian bridge was once the gateway to nearly 3 miles of pathways through the 1,000-plus acres on Monee Road.—
Jerry Shnay,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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