unlock

verb

un·​lock ˌən-ˈläk How to pronounce unlock (audio)
unlocked; unlocking; unlocks
Synonyms of unlocknext

transitive verb

1
: to unfasten the lock of : open the lock on
Can you unlock the car for me?
2
: open, undo
unlock the padlock
3
: to free from restraints or restrictions
The shock unlocked a flood of tears.
4
: to furnish a key to : disclose
cracked the code to unlock the message

intransitive verb

: to become unfastened or freed from restraints

Synonyms of unlock

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Examples of unlock in a Sentence

Could you unlock the door for me? geneticists unlocking the secrets of DNA The material's potential was unlocked only through extensive testing. How can I unlock my computer if I've forgotten the password? This class will unlock your creativity.
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.
Workspace administrators also can’t reset a user’s PIN or unlock their chats. — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Nearly 9 in 10 voters unlock the machines with a fingerprint. — Solly Boussidan, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 In his iPhone Duo review, PCMag’s Eric Zeman noted that the button can be frustrating to use, sometimes requiring multiple attempts to unlock the device. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 Wall Street has been enthusiastic about the separation, which is designed to unlock the value of each group of assets and is likely to generate M&A interest. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlock

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlock was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unlock

See All Rhymes for unlock

Browse Nearby Words

unlocated
unlock
unlodge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

unlock

verb
un·​lock ˌən-ˈläk How to pronounce unlock (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to open or unfasten through release of a lock
unlock the door
the chest won't unlock
2
: to set free : release
unlock a flood of emotions
3
: to make known
scientists unlocking the secrets of nature
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