UNLOCKING Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

unlocking

verb

present participle of unlock

as in unleashing

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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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 unlocking Restoring a sense of freedom to Marmoush’s game will be key to unlocking his confidence and his best form. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Students regain access to their devices at dismissal by tapping the pouch against an unlocking device. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 And it will be secured by old-school Touch ID, not Face ID, the current security gate for unlocking an iPhone. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 The dual rear camera system includes a LiDAR scanner for AR applications, and Face ID handles secure unlocking. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Admission to the grounds is completely free (new for 2026, adults simply register for a free Fan Access Pass), creating one of the best values in sports while unlocking sponsor activations, experiences and giveaways. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026 So what is Bucky Brooks doing before sunrise, unlocking the gate outside the Granada Hills High football field? — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Plans range from $3 to $12 per month, with higher tiers unlocking a retirement account with an IRA match up to 3%, custodial accounts for kids and even checking and emergency savings. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 And because avoiding a loss feels psychologically twice as valuable as achieving a gain, setting and declaring bold goals triggers this force, unlocking radical motivation and decisive action. — Adrian Gore, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlocking

Verb

There are a couple of shocking narrative twists at the end, with Alice potentially unleashing her wrath, and the revelation of Catherine’s role in Isabel’s death.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
Federal agents began unleashing rubber bullets, flash-bangs, and tear gas on the crowd.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of unleashing

Verb

National conservatives, for instance, oppose loosening the United States’ ties with Israel and tolerating Chinese and Russian imperialism.

— Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
So will a flood of 401(k) money, thanks to loosening rules about what investments belong in Americans’ retirement accounts.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of loosening

Verb

Getty Images More than 30 years after releasing its first album, Nickelback is gearing up to drop another full-length, one which has already produced some minor rock hits in America.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Since releasing her first album in 1967, Parton has received a total of 55 Grammy Award nominations, resulting in 10 wins.

— Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of releasing

Browse Nearby Words

unlocked

unlocking

unlocks

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“Unlocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlocking. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlocking

verb

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