Meaning & use

unlock

verb·Everyday

To open something using a key or code, or to make something accessible that was previously restricted.

See it in a sentence

She quickly unlocked the front door and stepped inside out of the rain.

Completing the tutorial unlocks several new levels in the game.

A note on using this word

Unlock is often used figuratively for revealing potential or access, as in 'unlock your creativity'.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

lock

Make it your own

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