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
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Recent Examples of unlocking
Labor economists are skeptical of widespread automation in restaurants, warning productivity benefits are often modest compared to the cost of the new technology, and that truly unlocking benefits of AI in the industry requires a complete overhaul of operations.
—
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 May 2026
There are several archetypes and each one has its own path to unlocking flow state.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
While the jump to 66MP is relatively modest on paper, the move to a Stacked BSI CMOS sensor transforms the camera in practice, unlocking 30fps burst shooting, dramatically reduced rolling shutter, and advanced 8K and 4K120 video capabilities without compromising image quality.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026
And now, new research suggests such cosmic rays may hide a secret that is the key to unlocking a 60-year-old space puzzle.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 May 2026
For fashion brands in the portfolio, the opportunity lies in unlocking decades, or sometimes centuries, of history.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
When the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2010, 340B program eligibility broadened, unlocking discounts for certain rural hospitals, children’s hospitals, some disease-specific treatment programs, and hospitals that serve a significant share of low-income patients.
—Dené K. Dryden, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
The pursuing agent presses a button, unlocking the device attached to their vehicle’s front bumper, and a net springs out.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
For the University of Houston, that means unlocking another revenue stream that could generate millions of dollars annually.
—Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 May 2026
There are several archetypes and each one has its own path to unlocking flow state.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
While the jump to 66MP is relatively modest on paper, the move to a Stacked BSI CMOS sensor transforms the camera in practice, unlocking 30fps burst shooting, dramatically reduced rolling shutter, and advanced 8K and 4K120 video capabilities without compromising image quality.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026
And now, new research suggests such cosmic rays may hide a secret that is the key to unlocking a 60-year-old space puzzle.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 May 2026
For fashion brands in the portfolio, the opportunity lies in unlocking decades, or sometimes centuries, of history.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
When the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2010, 340B program eligibility broadened, unlocking discounts for certain rural hospitals, children’s hospitals, some disease-specific treatment programs, and hospitals that serve a significant share of low-income patients.
—Dené K. Dryden, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
The pursuing agent presses a button, unlocking the device attached to their vehicle’s front bumper, and a net springs out.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
For the University of Houston, that means unlocking another revenue stream that could generate millions of dollars annually.
—Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlocking
Verb
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The fun really starts with the collaborators’ premium denim lineup, inclusive of the Trucker Jacket, all button-flap pockets and varied patches (peep that American flag over the chest, for unleashing your inner patriot), as well as the Lucky Legend Low Rise Festival Short.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
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According to neighbors, Eurovision organizers are flying multiple drones over the stadium in the lead up to the event while unleashing dogs to ferret out potential explosives.—
Steven Blum,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2026
Verb
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The Fed should shift from passively loosening to effectively tightening via its statements about its future course.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
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The results suggest a broad surge in support for loosening restrictions on research into substances such as psilocybin and MDMA to probe their potential for medical use.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Within hours of Ben-Gvir releasing the videos, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands had summoned Israel’s ambassadors to seek an explanation for the treatment of their citizens.—
Nick Duffy,
NBC news,
20 May 2026
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Levi’s went on a prolific streak of collaborations by releasing three collections with Nike and Jordan Brand from last July through January, and during that time and onward denim has been popping up on loads more in-line releases under the Nike umbrella.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlocking. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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