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.
Written and directed by Jeremy Slater, the film follows Jefferson Haddock (Bacon), who is called into an isolated witness protection property to deal with a terrifying demon, unleashing a force that threatens to end him and everything around him. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Goldman is also well positioned to capitalize on the market volatility fueled by higher interest rates, while an eventual end to the Iran war could unleash another wave of mergers and acquisitions and IPOs. — Alexa Lomonaco,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 The church unleashes a campaign—online and onsite—demanding the family’s religious freedom, and the most fervent outcry and mobilization come from the political far right. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026 The end of Wednesday’s first half offered a preview of the offensive force Johnson and the Spurs hope to unleash when the regular season opens against Oklahoma City next week. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 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

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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 20 Oct. 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
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