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
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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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Eco effort Canoe Place has eliminated single-use plastics on the property, uses bamboo room keys and refillable bath amenities, and employs energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems; EV charging ports are available to guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
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He was wanted after allegedly robbing a Family Dollar store on Saturday morning and pistol-whipping one of their female employees, taking her wallet and keys.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Alternatives to expensive credit cards for lounge access include buying a day pass or purchasing a premium cabin ticket.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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If tracking and the dizzying pace of advance ticket sales are correct, 20th Century’s Prada 2 will earn nearly $200 million in its global debut alone.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Practical applications for the gateway include everything from managing equipment maintenance workflows to performing real-time stock checks.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
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San Francisco International Airport — roughly a 90-minute drive west — serves as a major gateway with nonstop service to Tokyo.—
Lauren Schuster,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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