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.
Moscow accused Ukraine of targeting civilians, which would constitute a war crime, and unleashed a barrage of aerial strikes on its neighbor. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026 An El Niño year is characterized by abnormally high ocean temperatures in the Pacific, which can unleash climate chaos elsewhere—causing heavy rainfall in some areas and drought in others—as well as driving up temperatures. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 3 Aug. 2026 Seven months ago, Iran unleashed a deadly crackdown on protesters who were demanding an end to the 47-year-old theocratic regime. — Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026 The second-year midfielder, signed out of Duke before the 2025 season, drove forward with space in front of her before unleashing a shot from outside the penalty area into the upper corner for her first NWSL goal. — Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for unleash

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 6 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unleash

Nglish: Translation of unleash for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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