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
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Recent Examples of unlock
This scheme unlocked many European funding opportunities, and brought no less than 10 broadcasters on board.
—
Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Batteries are a linchpin for unlocking solar and wind energy’s full potential by soaking up excess green energy and then discharging it when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining.
—Mark Chediak, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
With the Rams, Simpson could benefit from coach Sean McVay, a quarterback whisperer whose play-action heavy offense could unlock Simpson’s potential.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
The collaboration kicks off a new Happy Meal, which includes a special box, one of 12 collectible character toys (two new characters will be rolled out every week); an activity book and a QR code that unlocks an interactive game that involves saving Hawkins from monsters.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Batteries are a linchpin for unlocking solar and wind energy’s full potential by soaking up excess green energy and then discharging it when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining.
—Mark Chediak, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
With the Rams, Simpson could benefit from coach Sean McVay, a quarterback whisperer whose play-action heavy offense could unlock Simpson’s potential.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
The collaboration kicks off a new Happy Meal, which includes a special box, one of 12 collectible character toys (two new characters will be rolled out every week); an activity book and a QR code that unlocks an interactive game that involves saving Hawkins from monsters.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock
Verb
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Taveras unleashed a lifeline in a high-leverage spot, late in a game and with a full count.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Israel responded with overwhelming force, unleashing a barrage of airstrikes on southern Lebanon and areas around its capital Beirut and later launching the ongoing ground invasion.—
April 27,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Supreme Court loosened a provision of the Voting Rights Act that restricted redrawing congressional districts on the basis of race.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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Erdoğan centralized power around himself but also pushed for loosening the country’s borders and extending Turkey’s influence into the region—into Syria, Iraq, Libya, Azerbaijan, and beyond—as a crucial part of Turkey’s new mission and ideology.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Patriots lost K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency and released edge defender Anfernee Jennings.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
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With micro-dramas, if audiences don’t respond on the day a title is released, the social-media algorithm stops promoting it, and Zhou immediately changes what he green-lights.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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