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.
But doing so can unlock new understandings of what the vagus nerve does and how its role changes over time. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026 Cruz, Cantwell, and Schmitt earned the endorsement of the Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences, which unlocked more backing from senators representing schools in those regions. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 For co-author Cousins, the development shows that smart hardware design can unlock huge efficiency gains. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026 The cross did much worse to the one whom Christians believe to be the human incarnation of God, yet Jesus’ followers believed that his very crucifixion was the key to unlocking the revelation of God’s grace. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unlock

Nglish: Translation of unlock for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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