unleash

verb

un·​leash ˌən-ˈlēsh How to pronounce unleash (audio)
unleashed; unleashing; unleashes
Synonyms of unleashnext

transitive verb

1
: to free from or as if from a leash : let loose
unleash the dogs
unleashing his anger
2
: to throw, shoot, or set in motion forcefully
… unleashed a superb shot … to earn his side a point.—The New York Times
3
: to allow or cause (something powerful) to happen suddenly
The storm unleashed its fury.
The editorial unleashed a flood/torrent of angry responses.

Synonyms of unleash

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Examples of unleash in a Sentence

The storm unleashed its fury. The editorial unleashed a torrent of angry responses.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Spending two years writing his autobiography, the 2023 bestseller Scattershot, and working on a forthcoming documentary, unleashed a creative wellspring in Bernie Taupin. — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026 The upheaval Luther helped unleash became the Protestant Reformation, permanently reshaping Christianity and European history. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Oct. 2026 In other developments, Russia unleashed another missile and drone blitz on civilian areas in Ukraine, killing at least nine people, officials said, as Zelenskyy sought more American and European help. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026 Even short periods of moderate rain on severe burn scars can unleash post-fire floods. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unleash

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unleash was circa 1671

Rhymes for unleash

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Browse Nearby Words

unleased
unleash
unleavened
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unleash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unleash. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unleash

verb
un·​leash ˌən-ˈlēsh How to pronounce unleash (audio)
: to free from or as if from a leash
unleash a dog
the storm unleashed its fury
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