Definition

To break or remove a seal from something in order to open it.

Example

He had to unseal the envelope to read the letter inside.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen how to unseal an old letter?

No, I haven't! How do you do it?

It's pretty simple; you just carefully break the seal without tearing the paper.

That sounds cool! I’d love to try it with some of my old letters.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unseal → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "seal" (from Old English "sealdan", meaning to close or fasten). The word "unseal" means to remove a seal or to open something that was previously closed or secured.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' or 'opposite' ('un-') of 'closing' ('seal') — that's why unseal means to open something that was sealed.

Visually Confused Words