diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/widgets.py b/lib/matplotlib/widgets.py
index 13f7287fe375..7518c2f4700f 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/widgets.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/widgets.py
@@ -62,6 +62,12 @@ def locked(self):
         """Return whether the lock is currently held by an owner."""
         return self._owner is not None
 
+    def __enter__(self):
+        return self
+
+    def __exit__(self, *args):
+        self.release(self)
+
 
 class Widget:
     """