UNLOCK Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

unlock

verb

ˌən-ˈläk

Definition of unlock

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of unlock 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 Financial future Of course, unlocking the club’s financial potential is largely contingent on getting promoted. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Global Fashion Agenda and ReHubs put the cost of building the recycling capacity Europe needs at 8-11 billion euros, and name demand certainty for sorters as one of the conditions for unlocking it. — Erik Lagerblad, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Get a 30-day free trial here to unlock the AMC+ offer along with all the other Prime member benefits. — Tim Chan, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlock

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlock

Verb

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, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Trump unleashed a series of personal and baseless attacks against Hamilton at the rally in Park City, Kansas -- about 10 miles north of Wichita -- with just two weeks out from election day as the balance of power in the Senate hangs in the balance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of unleash

Verb

Their grip on song structure has loosened with each record and, by their most recent, 2024’s Exotic Birds of Prey, nearly dissipated altogether.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
His efforts to loosen dependence on America have earned his government sky-high approval ratings even as many Western governments face populations deeply unhappy with their rule.

— Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of loosen

Verb

The latest figures, released in April and based mostly on 2024 data, actually reflect a slowdown from earlier jumps.

— Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
On October 24, 2006, Taylor Swift was released—the debut album by a 16-year-old with blonde curls, cowboy boots, and a special talent for turning heartbreak into hits.

— Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of release

Browse Nearby Words

unloads

unlock

unlocked

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Style

“Unlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlock. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlock

verb

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