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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unlock
Along with the reduction in cost, labor and human error, the program also aimed to unlock new value by enabling efficient processing for high-value streams such as duty drawback claims on damaged or unsold good.
—
Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Something was just holding them back, and the medication unlocks this realization.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 14 May 2026
And now, new research suggests such cosmic rays may hide a secret that is the key to unlocking a 60-year-old space puzzle.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 May 2026
Nevertheless, on a 2,500-acre former dairy ranch protected by its own fire department and subtly hidden in a secluded valley behind rhythmic hills, George Lucas has finally been able to unlock his inner Stickley.
—Patricia Leigh Brown, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Something was just holding them back, and the medication unlocks this realization.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 14 May 2026
And now, new research suggests such cosmic rays may hide a secret that is the key to unlocking a 60-year-old space puzzle.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 May 2026
Nevertheless, on a 2,500-acre former dairy ranch protected by its own fire department and subtly hidden in a secluded valley behind rhythmic hills, George Lucas has finally been able to unlock his inner Stickley.
—Patricia Leigh Brown, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock
Verb
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And some were holding back to figure out the right guard rails and directives to put in place before unleashing too many of autonomous ‘workers’ throughout their corporations.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
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In the aftermath of the BAFTA Film Awards, the BBC created a new set of protocols, which now need to be unleashed without a hitch as the public broadcaster bids to avoid a repeat of the disaster.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
Verb
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In another gun rights case, the justices may loosen a federal law aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous or irresponsible people.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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The results suggest a broad surge in support for loosening restrictions on research into substances such as psilocybin and MDMA to probe their potential for medical use.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Drake also released seven music videos on YouTube in the hours following the album drops.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
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However, Giuliani, 81, ultimately recovered enough to be released.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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