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
  • Given the consistency of this behavior over the past several years, the key now is whether the stock can once again take advantage of that structure and demonstrate that the characteristics of the longer-term uptrend remain firmly in place.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Diallo and Woods missed jumpers on their teams’ final possessions, with Woods missed a 15-footer from just left of the key with a second left, forcing overtime.
    Oc Register, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Here’s a look at the dates and sites for each conference tournament and the winners that have punched their tickets to March Madness.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Pre-sale tickets for R&B legend and Philadelphia native Jill Scott's world tour are now available.
    Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The streaming-gateway and content company has landed the digital rights to the first-ever X Games league, titled… X Games League, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Port saw four late departures, while Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port had two transshipment delays, with both gateways seeing zero cases on Sunday.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 2026.

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