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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
Noun
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Winning back those existing consumers who remember the glamor and delight of an old-fashioned department store shopping spree is the key, says Bines.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025 -
At Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, guests receive room keys that double as all-access passes to local museums and galleries through the hotel’s Unlock Art program.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Major airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, United and Frontier are all waiving fees for passengers who want to change their tickets.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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While her annual lists always have great big-ticket presents (think the newest Apple AirPods and soft-to-the-touch loungewear), there are also plenty of affordable goodies to wrap up or gift as stocking stuffers.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Moab This city in eastern Utah is a gateway to the red rock wonders of the state—many of which are found within neighboring Arches and Canyonlands national parks.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
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The school site sits along Interstate 4 and serves as a gateway to the town.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Jan. 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 9 Jan. 2026.
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