as in unleashing
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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Recent Examples of unlocking
Tesla doors have been at the center of several crash cases because the battery powering the unlocking mechanism can be destroyed in a fire and the manual releases that override that system are difficult to find.
—
Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, what may be the oldest drawing of a birth chart was found in a cave in Croatia, dating back more than 2,000 years, which suggests an early interest in harnessing astrology as a tool for unlocking knowledge about the individual.
—Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
In a sport constantly unlocking new information and state-of-the-art technology, there’s something tried and true about the oldest form of pregame preparation.
—Chad Jennings, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Colorado residents can now add a state parks pass to their annual vehicle registration for $29, unlocking unlimited entry to all 42 state parks.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
This has intensified the search for new approaches to energy-efficient memory while unlocking fresh technological possibilities.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
This element of technology convergence is not only transforming industries but unlocking new economic and societal value.
—Sebastian Buckup, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
One user says the Wi-Fi turns off when unlocking the device, or swiping down on the lock screen to access the notification center.
—PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
The Astro2020 Decadal Survey, released in November 2021, identifies scientific priorities for the decade ahead, focusing on unlocking the secrets of the universe.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, what may be the oldest drawing of a birth chart was found in a cave in Croatia, dating back more than 2,000 years, which suggests an early interest in harnessing astrology as a tool for unlocking knowledge about the individual.
—Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025
In a sport constantly unlocking new information and state-of-the-art technology, there’s something tried and true about the oldest form of pregame preparation.
—Chad Jennings, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Colorado residents can now add a state parks pass to their annual vehicle registration for $29, unlocking unlimited entry to all 42 state parks.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
This has intensified the search for new approaches to energy-efficient memory while unlocking fresh technological possibilities.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
This element of technology convergence is not only transforming industries but unlocking new economic and societal value.
—Sebastian Buckup, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
One user says the Wi-Fi turns off when unlocking the device, or swiping down on the lock screen to access the notification center.
—PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
The Astro2020 Decadal Survey, released in November 2021, identifies scientific priorities for the decade ahead, focusing on unlocking the secrets of the universe.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlocking
Verb
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The forward’s third was his best of the night, unleashing an unstoppable effort beyond Kalmurza for his fifth Champions League goal in two games after good work by Rodrygo.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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In the other monologue, Ray drunkenly tells a story about unleashing scatological revenge on an abusive priest.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The commonwealth has been without an operational freestanding birthing center since the 1980s, said Mary Kathryn DeLodder, director of the Kentucky Birth Coalition — a grassroots organization that led the charge in advocating for legislation loosening regulations for the facilities.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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Earlier this week, hedge fund billionaire David Tepper issued a stern warning that loosening too much risks more inflation and poses other dangers to the economy and markets.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Taylor Swift is releasing an 89-minute film to theaters this weekend that will include a music video, lyric videos and commentary from her on the new album.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Instead of releasing Guevara, the Board of Immigration Appeals reopened Guevara’s 13-year-old immigration case, which had been closed and authorized him to work in the US.—
Liam Reilly,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlocking. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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