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
While grasshoppers possess two sets of wings, the researchers focused exclusively on the hindwing to unlock the secrets of efficient flight.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Timing is everything—seasonal flash sales and off-peak travel dates can unlock dramatic discounts.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
From Ted Sarandos at Netflix to Mary Barra at GM and Dara Khosrowshahi at Uber, each executive offers a case study in managing people, driving change and unlocking opportunity even in unexpected situations.
—Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
The family car in which the boy was found was reportedly unlocked at the time.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Timing is everything—seasonal flash sales and off-peak travel dates can unlock dramatic discounts.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
From Ted Sarandos at Netflix to Mary Barra at GM and Dara Khosrowshahi at Uber, each executive offers a case study in managing people, driving change and unlocking opportunity even in unexpected situations.
—Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
The family car in which the boy was found was reportedly unlocked at the time.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock
Verb
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The strike marks the first time in more than a year that Moscow has unleashed the Oreshnik, which can contain multiple warheads and carry either conventional or nuclear payloads.—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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The first batch of season 4 episodes were released on Peacock Thursday night, and the biggest headline was a new twist unleashed by host Alan Cumming just minutes into the game.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This will loosen any bits on the bottom of the oven.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 Jan. 2026
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South Korea could use this as an opportunity to press China to loosen its informal restrictions on Korean entertainment from 2016 or to get China firmly on board with North Korean denuclearization.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Yet again, Netflix has released a Harlan Coben adaptation on New Year’s Day—and again it’s written by Danny Brocklehurst (Fool Me Once).—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
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The sateen weave strikes the perfect balance for fall—breathable enough to release pesky heat and moisture, yet cozy and smooth enough to snuggle into on cooler nights.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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