Definition of open sesamenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
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. Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
Noun
  • The Airbnb logo appears on a mobile phone screen next to a key in Athens, Greece, on February 24, 2026.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Not to lose your messages and media, set up your Signal Backup (Settings -> Backups -> Enable backups -> View recovery key -> Copy to clipboard -> Next -> Enter the recovery key -> Next -> Continue -> Choose your backup plan).
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • With group play coming to a close and the Round of 32 approaching, the competition is heating up as teams look to punch their tickets to the knockout round in hopes of hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the final on Sunday, July 19.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • That punched El Tri's ticket straight to the Round of 16 and kept the host nation's tournament dream alive for at least one more match.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Aysnc, the organization responsible for opening the gateway to the Backrooms, was seen at the end of the movie when Mary escapes and ends up speaking with Async researcher Phil (Mark Duplass) in a private room.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • For ALL Accor, that means using hotels not just as places to sleep, but as gateways into culture, sport, music and food.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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