Synonyms of unlock

unlock

verb

ˌən-ˈläk 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unleash
• loosen
• release
• let go
• express
• loose
• unloose
• uncork
• liberate
• unloosen
• emancipate
• free
• enfranchise
• air
• unbind
• manumit
• unchain
• unshackle
• uncage
• unfetter
• spring
• take out
• discharge
• unmoor
• vent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• contain
• hold
• control
• check
• regulate
• inhibit
• restrain
• govern
• constrain
• curb
• rein (in)
• tame
• smother
• bind
• confine
• bridle
• shackle
• handcuff
• hamper
• trammel
• manacle
• enchain
• fetter
• halter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unlock

The House voted 215-211 for a procedural rules package that will unlock the House floor this week, allowing GOP leadership to move forward with plans to vote on an appropriations bill and other legislative priorities. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026

Only one unidentified vehicle remained, sometimes assisting with opening and closing the gate as cars entered; someone from the vehicle had keys to unlock the fence. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Pixel control unlocked The system combines a phase-change material with a crossbar network of copper wires similar to those used in display technologies. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Join Southern Living Insiders today to unlock 60 years of vintage recipes, exclusive deals, a special edition of our best-selling cookbook, and a weekly newsletter just for Insiders. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 July 2026