master key
Opens all locks
A master key opens multiple locks, each of which also has its own individual key.
Buildings with many locked doors—hotels, apartment complexes, offices—use master key systems so maintenance staff or managers can access all rooms without carrying dozens of keys.
Figuratively, a master key is anything that unlocks many possibilities: Education is the master key to success.
Universal access tool
- keyholeOpening for a lock
- tumblerFlat-bottomed drinking vessel
- pinPointed metal fastener
- wardProtected person; division
lever · bolt · latch · cylinder · lock · locksmith · bypass · pick
Open a secured closure
portal · threshold · passage · ingress · egress · open · admittance · all-access
Precaution against harm
- protectionGuarding against harm
- breachBreaking of agreement
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- vaultSecure storage chamber
authentication · surveillance · alarm · guard · patrol · controlled · compromise · duplicate
Capable in varied contexts
- interoperableAble to work together
- standardizedMade uniform across cases
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
- multipurposeUseful for varied applications
compatible · generic · all-encompassing · one-size-fits-all · system · hierarchy · suite · group
passkey
Universal access tool
ward · lever · bolt · latch · cylinder · lock · locksmith · bypass · pick · warded
unlock
Open a secured closure
gateway · portal · threshold · passage · ingress · egress · open · admittance · all-access · restricted
safeguard
Precaution against harm
- protectionGuarding against harm
- breachBreaking of agreement
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
vault · authentication · surveillance · alarm · guard · patrol · controlled · compromise · duplicate · stolen
versatile
Capable in varied contexts
- interoperableAble to work together
- standardizedMade uniform across cases
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
multipurpose · compatible · generic · all-encompassing · one-size-fits-all · system · hierarchy · suite · group
- keyskeychain, keyring, keyhole, keyway, keycard
- Access Methodspassword, PIN, fingerprint, swiping card, biometrics
- power metaphorsiron fist, iron grip, reins, pulling strings, stranglehold
- janitor suppliesmop, broom, bucket, cart, supplies
- locks and keyspadlock, deadbolt, keyhole, bolt, latch
- cryptographyAES, encryption, ciphertext, decryption, cipher
master keyroom key
Hotel entry device
door key · locker key · padlock key · car key · house key
key, master, mastery, keyboard, mister, masterpiece, masters, masthead, turnkey