as in key
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal it turned out that a simple "please" was the open sesame for charming the hotel manager into giving us a room with a better view

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
Noun
  • As such, Ono predicts that nurturing creativity in higher education will be a key in keeping mathematics going for future generations.
    Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 6 June 2025
  • My apartment key weighed heavier than the betrayal in my chest.
    David Lee Condrey, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Her dad bought the winning ticket from the East Boston Corner Market in East Boston, according to the lottery.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Other prizes include a free $3 ticket, which was what the winner initially thought would be revealed from their scratch-off.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Speaking of Jan, Loop-finding-jazz-records got reissued in 2017, and that was a huge gateway.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
  • Noah Graham | National Basketball Association | Getty Images Individual star players have beckoned some of the biggest endorsement deals, which didn’t contribute to the team sponsorship total, but often serve as a gateway for brands to eventually strike deals with teams, said Lynch.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 5 June 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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