unlock

verb

ˌən-ˈläk How to pronounce unlock (audio)
Definition of unlocknext
as in to unleash
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

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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 unlock Each cup features a unique promo code inside for customers to unlock a $3 medium Refresher or Dunkin Zero beverages for 30 days. — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 1 July 2026 But exploring it is vital, NASA says, in order to not just unlock the secrets of the moon, but to discover how human interplanetary travel could be possible. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Our expert take The Citi Strata Premier® Card has competitive rewards rates and unlocks access to all of the Citi ThankYou® transfer partners, which boosts the value of your points. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 1 July 2026 Continue reading … DAN GAINOR — How American engineers unlocked the impossible beneath the Gulf of America. — FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock
  1. unleash
  2. loosen
  3. release
Verb
  • In the 82nd minute, Malik Tillman stepped up to a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed an absolute wonderstrike.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of unleash
Verb
  • Matching trousers stayed narrow through the hips before loosening down the leg into a slight flare.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • As summer arrives, snow begins melting, ice hardens and rocks loosen, increasing the risk of falls and rockfall.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of loosen
Verb
  • Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two hydrogen atoms to form one helium atom, releasing huge amounts of energy.
    — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Prior to the hearing, the Kirk family released a statement on social media.
    — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of release

Browse Nearby Words

unloads
unlock
unlocked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unlock

Nglish: Translation of unlock for Spanish Speakers

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