open sesames

Definition of open sesamesnext
plural of open sesame
as in keys
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesames
Noun
  • The smaller piano was not meant to project sound that could reach the balconies, so Jarrett had to press the keys (especially in the bass register) aggressively.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
  • The four imap and nmap lines make the arrow keys move the cursor up and down in both normal and insert mode via display lines rather than the actual file lines, which really helps with arrow key navigation with long wrapping lines.
    Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • This was not the most interesting area for tourists, but a nearby subway station can whisk you anywhere around town without the need to sit in traffic (most tickets within the city limits cost less than $1).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • Ahead of the series, Embiid urged Philly fans not to sell their tickets, eager to avoid a repeat of the Knicks fans’ 2024 incursion.
    Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • To take back control, companies have to give up on walled gardens and build gateways.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
  • Why the Great Lakes are cruising’s next frontier Industry observers note that Great Lakes cruising continues to expand, with multiple lines adding itineraries through ports such as Rochester, New York and other regional gateways.
    Malika Bowling, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Both defendants have a status hearing Thursday morning in New Orleans and both were ordered to surrender their passports.
    Patrick Smith, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The agency did not state how many of the special-edition passports will be released.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Open sesames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesames. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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