Locked vs Sealed

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Locked

Top 2,000 (common)

Sealed

Top 2,000 (common)

	Locked	Sealed
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //lɒkt// 🇺🇸 //lɑkt//	🇬🇧 //siːld// 🇺🇸 //siːld//
Meaning	When something is secured and cannot be opened.	Closed tightly so nothing can get in or out.
Example	The door was locked, so we couldn't get inside.	The letter was sealed with a wax stamp.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	Top 2,000 (common)
Collocations	locked door, locked gate, locked cabinet, locked safe	sealed container, sealed envelope, sealed deal, sealed document, sealed box
Antonyms	unlocked, open	open, unsealed
Common mistakes	Confused with 'lock', thinking 'locked' is a noun., Using 'locked' in a non-physical context where it's not appropriate., Omitting the context when describing something as 'locked'.	Confusing 'sealed' with 'seal' as a verb, Using 'sealed' for open situations where it's not applicable, Mispronouncing 'sealed' as if it rhymes with 'ield'
Usage notes	Use 'locked' to describe items secured with a lock. It's neutral and commonly used in both speech and writing.	Use 'sealed' when you want to emphasize that something is completely closed or protected. It can refer to physical objects, legal documents, or situations.

See it in real clips

She had locked something away, something deep inside.

Chernobyl › S1 E1

The good one's locked in the safe. I don't have a key.

The Lord Of The Rings › The return of the king

locked in his tower.

She had locked something away, something deep inside.

Chernobyl › S1 E1

The good one's locked in the safe. I don't have a key.

Locked

It's not sealed.

Stranger Things › S1 E1

We’ve sealed off this area following quarantine protocol.

It's not sealed.

Stranger Things › S1 E1

We’ve sealed off this area following quarantine protocol.

Sealed

Frequently asked questions: Locked vs Sealed

What's the difference between Locked and Sealed?

Locked: When something is secured and cannot be opened. Sealed: Closed tightly so nothing can get in or out.

Can you show an example of each?

Locked: The door was locked, so we couldn't get inside. Sealed: The letter was sealed with a wax stamp.

Can I use Locked and Sealed interchangeably?

Not always. Locked and Sealed are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.