LOCKING Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

locking

verb

present participle of lock

as in latching

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in wrapping

Related Words

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 locking This anti-theft bag converts from tote to crossbody to backpack and is packed with smart security features, including RFID-blocking pockets, locking zippers, and a chair-lock loop. — Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for locking

Verb

The dog made it over the fence and began to attack K-9 Diesel, latching onto his neck, prosecutors said.

— Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
The second saw Isak recalibrate his run in behind a couple of times before latching onto Gakpo’s trivela pass, staying composed as a defender and Scherpen got close before sliding a shot home with his left foot.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of latching

Verb

After Swift handed over the cake, Johnson jumped up and down before wrapping the singer in a hug.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
After wrapping production on Man of Tomorrow in August, the fourth film in Gunn’s new DCU franchise is set to premiere July 9, 2027 in theaters.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of wrapping

Verb

An agent spends at machine speed, retrying, looping and chaining calls without supervision on the AI meter.

— Prashant Jalan, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Given the new realities of the AI age, including the chaining capabilities, companies like Microsoft might need to rethink their entire approach to triage, said Nguyen, the NSA’s former AI chief.

— Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 29 July 2026

Definition of chaining

Verb

If not, find another box or even a large, zippered plastic bag that’s big enough to accommodate the wig without folding it.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
That has included multiple rounds of layoffs; shutdown of print editions of magazines including Self and Teen Vogue; and folding music site Pitchfork into GQ.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of folding

Verb

Blooms provide an early source of nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, while songbirds shelter and build nests among the twining branches.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 July 2026
No gloom-dark tree-glitter winding and twining its silks.

— The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 26 Dec. 2025

Definition of twining

Verb

Dumas watched, charmed, his arms encircling his wife’s shoulders, and accepted an ice-cream sundae in a silver parfait cup.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
There are no bleachers, so spectators set up lawn chairs encircling the field.

— Kelenna Onukwugha, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of encircling

Cite this Entry

Style

“Locking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/locking. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of locking

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

etiquette

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes