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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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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This Lululmeon Everywhere Belt Bag has a generous 2-liter capacity to store all the essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, lip balm)—and then some.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
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They’re equipped with a wide, smoothing waistband, a back drop-in pocket for stashing your cards or keys, and seamless legs for a streamlined look.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Enter now to win a 4-ticket-prize-pack to the event.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
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Friday’s Fantasy 5 evening drawing came up 7, 9, 15, 26 and 29, numbers chosen by the computer for a Quick Pick ticket bought at the Publix at 3636 Harden Blvd.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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