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 For something cozy, but not basic: Ask Rabble Coffee for an open sesame: a latte with tahini, dates, orange, cinnamon and chili pepper. Arika Herron, Axios, 10 Sep. 2024 But is an ‘Alexandria in the cloud’ really an open sesame? Susan Tallman, The New York Review of Books, 1 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for open sesame
Noun
  • The film follows Hal (Theo James) a reclusive stress case who desperately tries to reconnect with his teenage son while haunted by a wind-up monkey that incites a random (and ridiculous) death whenever the key in its back is turned.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The key is knowing when to act and when to pause for further analysis.
    Heather Rosenow, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, The Doctor and Belinda get tickets to the Interstellar Song Contest, an out-of-this-world version of Eurovision, featuring a cameo from the international competition’s commentator Rylan Clark.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For her, language isn't merely a tool for communication but a gateway to connection.
    Omaid Homayun, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Play opens up a gateway for touch between you and your partner.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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