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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 unlocking
As experimental tools continue to improve, scientists will be able to explore the microscopic world with even greater precision, unlocking new possibilities for science and technology.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
Philanthropy is at a tipping point, yet is more essential than ever in unlocking the inherent strength and potential within communities.
—Semafor Events, semafor.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Yes, something that simple unlocking the playing time.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
As if generative AI, the thing publishers have to worry about inadvertently including in their books, could also be the key to unlocking the potential of a book.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Williams started to walk toward his van, unlocking it from a distance with a key fob, the suit states.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
For more than a century, an American birth certificate has been a key to unlocking the benefits of American citizenship.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Jack has a strong instinct for navigating that complexity and unlocking value in a tougher market.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Some analysts believe the country has a role to play in unlocking supply to the wider market.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
Philanthropy is at a tipping point, yet is more essential than ever in unlocking the inherent strength and potential within communities.
—Semafor Events, semafor.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Yes, something that simple unlocking the playing time.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
As if generative AI, the thing publishers have to worry about inadvertently including in their books, could also be the key to unlocking the potential of a book.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Williams started to walk toward his van, unlocking it from a distance with a key fob, the suit states.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
For more than a century, an American birth certificate has been a key to unlocking the benefits of American citizenship.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Jack has a strong instinct for navigating that complexity and unlocking value in a tougher market.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Some analysts believe the country has a role to play in unlocking supply to the wider market.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlocking
Verb
-
There might be bitterness in similar fights in F1’s deeper past, but unleashing this in 2026 would risk destabilizing the deep bonds Wolff clearly wants to protect.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In college baseball, Texas is again one of the top destinations in America, and Schlossnagle is unleashing the full power of Bevo’s possibilities.—
Mac Engel
April 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Israel is loosening restrictions implemented during wartime after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, paving the way for schools and workplaces to reopen.—
Riane Lumer,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The Nashville Predators moseyed westward for a California swing that started with a tie-breaking triumph against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, continued with another deadlock-loosening clash with the Kings on Monday and will wrap up versus the Ducks on Tuesday.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Buckingham was briefly detained while a dozen police officers searched the premises before determining his son was safe and releasing the musician from custody.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In these decays, an atom of one element transforms into another while releasing its remaining energy in the form of an electron.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlocking. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
