# unseal

**Pronunciation:** /ʌnˈsiːl/ · un-SEEL

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning 1: General

To open something that has been sealed or closed, such as a letter, package, or container.

## Examples

- He had to unseal the envelope to read the secret message.
- The authorities decided to unseal the evidence for further examination.
- Please unseal the jar of pickles carefully.

## Meaning 2: Legal

To officially remove a seal from a document or container, often to allow access or inspection.

## Examples

- The court order allowed the police to unseal the safe deposit box.
- Investigators will unseal the sealed records after the trial concludes.
- It took a special permit to unseal the historical archive.

## Synonyms

- open — General term for making something accessible.
- break open — Implies force or difficulty in opening.
- reveal — Focuses on showing what was hidden.
- disclose — Often used for information or secrets.

## Antonyms

- seal — To close something securely.
- close — General term for shutting something.
- fasten — To attach or secure something firmly.

## Common patterns

- unseal something — To open a sealed object. — The detective had to unseal the evidence bag.
- unseal the deal — To finalize an agreement or contract, often after a period of negotiation or uncertainty. — The final handshake helped to unseal the deal between the two companies.

## Collocations

- unseal a letter — He carefully unsealed the letter from his grandmother.
- unseal a package — She was eager to unseal the package containing her new book.
- unseal a container — You need a knife to unseal this plastic container.
- unseal evidence — The judge ordered the evidence to be unsealed for review.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/unseal

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