open sesame

noun

ˌō-pən-ˈse-sə-mē How to pronounce open sesame (audio)
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
  1. key
  2. ticket
  3. gateway
Noun
  • The biggest key for the Brewers in this game is to see if their bullpen can keep their excellent pitching alive.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • For the shame and regret are unbearable, and maybe there’s a way out, like at Nana’s, when everyone played that game, the hunt for the hidden key.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of key
Noun
  • There’s hope the cameras can improve the situation, but also doubt that simply mailing out a slew of tickets will make a difference.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Fly & Vote, which has been funded by private donations, chartered a flight for Israelis living in Portugal and bought blocks of tickets for flights from the New York area.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • Nature lovers, artists (Ansel Adams found a muse in the Snake River), and outdoor adventurers know the gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is more than just a winter sports destination.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But a presence at niche, collectible design events can be a gateway to a unique clientele.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of gateway

Browse Nearby Words

open secret
open sesame
open sesames
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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