UNLOCK Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

unlock

verb

ˌən-ˈläk

Definition of unlock

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

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 unlock Eating cranberries year-round unlocks their considerable health benefits. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026 There were four arenas to choose from, with an additional two to unlock when players got far enough in Prime 2’s single-player mode. — Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026 This is a potent mobile with a stunningly bright display and comfy, durable design, unlocked to work with any carrier. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026 Maybe that will be the skeleton key to unlocking what has been unlockable. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock

Verb

That counterinsurgency campaign was a prelude to the state terror unleashed under the 1976-1983 military dictatorship, in which human rights groups estimate that around 30,000 people were killed or disappeared.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
The storm over the horizon has fully formed and now is about to be unleashed.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of unleash

Verb

Legal and campaign finance experts told CNBC the dispute could eventually reach the Supreme Court, whose 6-3 conservative majority has repeatedly loosened campaign finance restrictions.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Elsewhere on the ballot, Miami-Dade voters rejected a referendum loosening restrictions on advertising in county parks.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of loosen

Verb

In addition to releasing the academic papers, Polson is also scheduled to teach two business classes at the University of Chicago this fall.

— TODD WALLACK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
The county Medical Examiner’s Office is reviving that case and those of four other youths who remain unidentified in death, releasing forensic sketches that may bring new clues forward.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of release

Browse Nearby Words

unloads

unlock

unlocked

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Style

“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlock

verb

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