as in certainties
one that is certain to succeed
the governor is regarded as a lock for his party's presidential nomination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of locks
Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
To remedy this, DIYers with plumbing experience can tighten up the valve with a set of channel locks, replace the valve, or repair the connection between the valve and the tank by adding plumber's dope or plumber's tape to help improve the seal.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Jan. 2026
For one, because the gel-patch texture locks onto where it’s actually applied, working to brighten just the dark spot as opposed to my entire face.
—Essence, 27 Jan. 2026
These locks and dams serve as an essential ingredient to keep the rivers open.
—Megan Shinn, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Charlotte had her hair half-up with a red ribbon, while the Princess of Wales, 44, also slicked back her locks in a half-ponytail accented with a black velvet bow.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
Living in a grand house overlooking Hyde Park, Katherine packed up Scoresby’s belongings, sent them to a warehouse, changed the locks, and left for Syria and Palestine.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Police were called to the home twice to respond to reports of angry outbursts from Bushey, once after the knives were removed and once after the locks were changed, which reportedly led Bushey to break off a doorknob to enter the house.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Then, in Los Angeles earlier this month, his locks were changed and the actor is now in need of a new permanent home to hang his designer cowboy hat and coddle his pets.
—Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
These head-turning spritzes are typically color-safe and instantly refresh your locks with a hit of hydration and shine.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
To remedy this, DIYers with plumbing experience can tighten up the valve with a set of channel locks, replace the valve, or repair the connection between the valve and the tank by adding plumber's dope or plumber's tape to help improve the seal.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Jan. 2026
For one, because the gel-patch texture locks onto where it’s actually applied, working to brighten just the dark spot as opposed to my entire face.
—Essence, 27 Jan. 2026
These locks and dams serve as an essential ingredient to keep the rivers open.
—Megan Shinn, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Charlotte had her hair half-up with a red ribbon, while the Princess of Wales, 44, also slicked back her locks in a half-ponytail accented with a black velvet bow.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
Living in a grand house overlooking Hyde Park, Katherine packed up Scoresby’s belongings, sent them to a warehouse, changed the locks, and left for Syria and Palestine.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Police were called to the home twice to respond to reports of angry outbursts from Bushey, once after the knives were removed and once after the locks were changed, which reportedly led Bushey to break off a doorknob to enter the house.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Then, in Los Angeles earlier this month, his locks were changed and the actor is now in need of a new permanent home to hang his designer cowboy hat and coddle his pets.
—Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for locks
Verb
-
Typically said when someone copies a trend, latches onto a friend's obsession, or just teases in a playful way.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
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That against-the-odds spirit is what the documentary crew latches onto as the thread tying their story together.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ties back to the opening scene of S1EP1 and wraps everything up nicely.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Lowell plunders an emerald out of a wrecked ship, starts a fistfight with a local ruler, nearly dies when a boa constrictor wraps itself around her neck, and is wounded by an alligator.—
Michael Waters,
New Yorker,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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To address this, Ivo uses a multi-step pipeline that chains together more than 400 model calls for each contract review.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Tokyo Central is owned by Japanese company Pan Pacific Retail Management, which also runs the grocery chains Gelson’s and Don Quijote.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
3 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Once the tent is deflated, the owner folds the floor back inside and closes the roof.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Over and over, something of import seems about to happen, before the scene folds in on itself.—
Dan Sheehan,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Unfortunately, the feud between Fanoli and Cher immediately shuts that down.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The system automatically manages battery charging and shuts itself down during extreme weather conditions, such as storms.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Even so, the Tower of Dimon, sitting at the intersection of finance and real estate, twines itself literally through the physical city, from the train tunnels below to the sidewalk and up to the skyline — and through its urban culture, too.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Aquazzura’s signature swirling ankle strap curves upward from the sides of the shoe and fastens the 105mm heel with a slim buckle.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The trail encircles a large, ADA-accessible playground and also provides views of the South Bend skyline.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Midwest Living,
4 Jan. 2026
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Many travelers choose to explore the area via the Ring of Kerry, the scenic drive that encircles the peninsula.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Locks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/locks. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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