open sesame

noun

ˌō-pən-ˈse-sə-mē How to pronounce open sesame (audio)
Definition of open sesamenext
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

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
  1. key
  2. ticket
  3. gateway
Noun
  • Norvell seemingly embraced a CEO role, handing the keys of the offense to Malzahn.
    — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
  • With SynthID-style watermarking, a secret key and the preceding text influence that choice.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of key
Noun
  • This is based on the cost for an adult purchasing a new season ticket, or, in the case of clubs where there are no new tickets available, the final renewal phase.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fans do not need a ticket for the event to purchase barbecue, according to the Instagram post.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ticket
Noun
  • The report comes shortly after data from Ukrainian open-source mapping group Deep State found that the most active battlefield actions were taking place around Kostyantynivka, which is seen as the gateway to the rest of the Donbas region.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • American Airlines is continuing to build Charlotte Douglas International Airport as a global gateway with new, direct service to Barcelona beginning next summer.
    — DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of gateway

Browse Nearby Words

open secret
open sesame
open sesames
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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