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
Carr’s action restores competitive neutrality by allowing Verizon to follow the Consumer Code for Wireless Service, the voluntary industry standard adopted in 2013 that governs unlocking transparency, timing and military protections.
—
Roslyn Layton, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
All pieces come with a QR code unlocking traceability and recycling information.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
For the first time, Wrangler is unlocking its vault to bring together some of the rarest pieces of its history under one roof for a limited time.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
He’s been hitting threes lately, which has been unlocking our offense more.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Jones praised Pitts' talent and believes the 25-year-old is on the cusp of unlocking his full potential.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
This iteration was notably surreal, what with the goopy-faced woman, cartoonish DIY bomb, and witchcraft unlocking true love’s kiss.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
The physical step is what adds friction, forcing users to pause and decide whether unlocking an app is actually worth it.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Open, vendor-agnostic software platforms are critical to unlocking AI’s value at the operational and asset level.
—Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Roslyn Layton, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
All pieces come with a QR code unlocking traceability and recycling information.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
For the first time, Wrangler is unlocking its vault to bring together some of the rarest pieces of its history under one roof for a limited time.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
He’s been hitting threes lately, which has been unlocking our offense more.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Jones praised Pitts' talent and believes the 25-year-old is on the cusp of unlocking his full potential.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
This iteration was notably surreal, what with the goopy-faced woman, cartoonish DIY bomb, and witchcraft unlocking true love’s kiss.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
The physical step is what adds friction, forcing users to pause and decide whether unlocking an app is actually worth it.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Open, vendor-agnostic software platforms are critical to unlocking AI’s value at the operational and asset level.
—Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlocking
Verb
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The mystery has gripped the nation, unleashing both outrage and terror at the prospect of a grandma being so easily swept away in the night.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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As the war enters its fifth year, Ukraine sees no alternative to unleashing these weapons into the world.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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However, loosening those connections would be extremely difficult and come with enormous costs, analysts told CNN.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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Push-Ups to Downward-Facing Dog This strength-stretch combo move activates the chest, core, and arms while loosening the hamstrings and calves.—
Jenny McCoy,
Outside,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Wild animals had gnawed through the pressurized canisters, releasing the chemicals inside.—
Rachel Becker,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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More than a week after Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing from her Arizona home in a possible kidnapping, law enforcement brought a man in for questioning before releasing him.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlocking. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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