open sesame

noun

ˌō-pən-ˈse-sə-mē How to pronounce open sesame (audio)
Definition of open sesamenext
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

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
  1. key
  2. ticket
  3. gateway
Noun
  • The surprisingly spacious material easily stores your essentials, including your phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and more.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
  • Wheeler opened up the extra period with a 3-pointer from the top of the key and Morales (10 points) sank a triple from the right corner shortly after.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026
Definition of key
Noun
  • In March, the extreme cost of tickets prompted 69 members of Congress to write a letter to FIFA urging them to lower their prices.
    — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Being a Grammy Museum member does not get you early access, but there’s a separate pool of tickets for members.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • As Venus and Chiron harmonize, self-awareness is a gateway to self-expression.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • All told, there are 100 recipes that draw inspiration from park lodges, gateway communities, and regional ingredients.
    — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of gateway

Browse Nearby Words

open secret
open sesame
open sesames
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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