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
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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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It’s even fitted with thoughtful details like a D-ring inside to hook your keys for easy access, as well as a magnetic clasp to keep everything enclosed.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
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Prosecutors say Gonzalez-Moy used a counterfeit key and a cordless drill to open the ATM.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Brown was issued a desk appearance ticket by cops for resisting arrest and obstruction of government administration, officials said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Items to be raffled include tickets to the Chicago Cubs/Chicago White Sox Crosstown Classic, lottery tickets, a variety of bar glasses, home decor and sportswear, according to a social media post.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Unfortunately, this silent gateway to CVD and possibly dementia continues to be ignored by many in our society and not seen outside of the lens of quality of life.—
Denise Asafu-Adjei,
STAT,
13 Apr. 2026
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As the gateway to New River Gorge National Park, the little town of Fayetteville has earned a reputation as an ideal getaway for extreme sports.—
Jordan Charbonneau,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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