UNLOCK Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

unlock

verb

ˌən-ˈläk

Definition of unlock

as in to unleash

to set free (from a state of being held in check) that last insult unlocked her tongue, and she finally said what she really thought

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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 unlock Given how shaky the defence looks, unlocking the attack will surely be the key in the derby. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026 The development of cutting-edge, non-destructive techniques has been helping to unlock those secrets, aiding conservation efforts. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026 Obtaining the doc rights and building a relationship with its director unlocked creative ideas and practical gifts. — Jennie Punter, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 Dora the Explorer Across eight increasingly adventurous seasons, Dora the Explorer taught us that active participation was not only cool but often the key to unlocking life’s great secrets. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock

Verb

This comes after a partial glacier collapse in the Himalayan mountains unleashed a sudden surge of water, mud, and debris that swept through border crossings, valley communities, and hydropower projects on August 26.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2026
The Bengals didn’t need to see Howell beyond the first preseason game, instead opting to unleash him fully against Tampa Bay.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of unleash

Verb

Things loosened considerably when an Argentina trip with polo player and model Nacho Figueras came up.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
In recent weeks, the United States has succeeded in loosening Iran’s grip over the Strait of Hormuz while virtually shutting down Iran’s own oil exports, accelerating its economic free fall.

— Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of loosen

Verb

Later, Omar Marmoush failed to release Andy Robertson on the overlap, with Mohammed Kudus waiting unmarked for a ball in the middle.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Lynx masters terrain DEEP Robotics has released new footage showing its Lynx wheel-legged robot navigating a harsh red desert terrain, highlighting the machine’s ability to operate across loose sand, steep slopes, and uneven ground.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of release

Browse Nearby Words

unloads

unlock

unlocked

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“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlock

verb

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