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
While grasshoppers possess two sets of wings, the researchers focused exclusively on the hindwing to unlock the secrets of efficient flight.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Timing is everything—seasonal flash sales and off-peak travel dates can unlock dramatic discounts.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
From Ted Sarandos at Netflix to Mary Barra at GM and Dara Khosrowshahi at Uber, each executive offers a case study in managing people, driving change and unlocking opportunity even in unexpected situations.
—Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
The family car in which the boy was found was reportedly unlocked at the time.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Timing is everything—seasonal flash sales and off-peak travel dates can unlock dramatic discounts.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
From Ted Sarandos at Netflix to Mary Barra at GM and Dara Khosrowshahi at Uber, each executive offers a case study in managing people, driving change and unlocking opportunity even in unexpected situations.
—Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
The family car in which the boy was found was reportedly unlocked at the time.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock
Verb
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Prodded by OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in late 2022, Google has been steadily rolling out more of its own technology designed to ensure its products continue to evolve with the upheaval being unleashed by AI.—
Michael Liedtke,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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These collisions unleash bursts of energy, allowing physicists to explore the most fundamental building blocks of the universe.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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When drivers are operating the vehicles, the wheel’s seating surface may deform, causing the wheel nut to loosen and detach, leading to the wheel separating from the vehicle.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the roots.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While the identities of the victims have not yet been released by authorities, the victims were all adults.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
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Lionsgate released the first official teaser trailer for the forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, on Thursday.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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