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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Recent Examples of open sesame
As Snider used Dorothy as an open sesame to the closed world of Playboy, so Hefner planned to use Dorothy as the open sesame to the closed world of major motion pictures.
—
Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
Noun
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Thoughtful Lighting Lighting can make or break a kitchen, but the key is to give yourself options.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
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Her employee badge, keys and computer were confiscated, according to the memo.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.—
USA Today staff,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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Traffic jams and street closings Miami Beach police will be working key corridors to manage traffic flow, ease congestion and give tickets for violations.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As sports tourism becomes a more powerful engine for travel, offering an unexpected gateway into a society and its culture, travelers can get to know India through this brisk, energetic version of our most-beloved game.—
Samanth Subramanian,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
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The mascot represents the airport that serves as Arizona's largest economic engine and many travelers' gateway to the West.—
Michael Salerno,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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