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
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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
Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
Noun
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After the victim parked near her home, the thieves displayed handguns and demanded money and her keys.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
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The key, in my opinion, is that OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have to win their matchups.—
David Troy OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
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As of publication, the cheapest tickets for a Knicks home game at MSG are selling for nearly $4,000 apiece.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
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Two national chains with locations in Treasure Valley are offering discounts on tickets for family-friendly films and snacks.—
Hali Smith
June 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 June 2026
Noun
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The neighborhood/area Newberg, Oregon, is the gateway to the Willamette Valley wine country.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Closure of the strait, at the southern end of the Red Sea and a critical gateway to the Suez Canal, could significantly disrupt global trade.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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