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

Relevance

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
  • For bettors, the key is to assess whether a team has the depth and skill for sustained success, or if recent wins are masking deeper issues.
    Julia Ranney, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The key is to use AI to enhance strategy, not replace creativity, ensuring long-term adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Four-night stadium passes for CMA Fest are on sale now, while single-night tickets will go on sale March 28 at 10 a.m. CT.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025
  • In return, the team might provide tickets to upcoming games that can be raffled off or given away to loyal customers of the ice cream shop.
    Rohit Arora, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The pupils are the gateway to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye.
    Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Dogs are also curious and front doors are a gateway to the outside world.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open sesame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/open%20sesame. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!