master key

NOUN

key opening all locks of a place

Synonyms

WEAK

opener pass'-partout passkey skeleton key

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Professor Jonathan Heeney of Cambridge University likened the new technique to having the "master key" for an apartment block.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

Antibodies can sometimes act like a master key, helping trigger immune responses.

From Science Daily • Jan. 9, 2026

Apple told the BBC in a statement that it had "never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products, and we never will".

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2025

Mitchell also went into Blanchard’s chambers in 2023 by using a master key, the commission wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

Matthias slipped the master key from around Brum’s neck and dragged him into an empty cell, propping him up against the wall in a seated position.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo