key to
phrasal verb
keyed to; keying to; keys to
chiefly US
1
: to make (something) suitable for (a particular use or type of person)
I try to key my lectures to my audience.
—often used as (be) keyed toThe educational program is keyed to the needs of working women.
2
: to change (something) in a way that is closely related to (something else)
—usually used as (be) keyed to
The amount of money they receive is keyed to the rate of inflation.
Examples of key to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Striking this balance between AI-friendliness and human appeal is the key to crafting a truly outstanding resume that resonates with both digital systems and human recruiters.
—
Bernard Marr, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Perception is key to not only understand the 2025 Met Gala theme, but also what the institution is trying to achieve with it.
—Taylor Crumpton, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024
Rural voters were key to Kelly's success, much as McCormick's choice of a running mate from rural Indiana farm country reflects an effort to appeal to such voters.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Oct. 2024
And key to those examples (from Apple, General Motors and even Starbucks' own past history) is a leader's ability to restore employee confidence in themselves and one another first.
—Hope King, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for key to 
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Bernard Marr, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Perception is key to not only understand the 2025 Met Gala theme, but also what the institution is trying to achieve with it.
—Taylor Crumpton, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024
Rural voters were key to Kelly's success, much as McCormick's choice of a running mate from rural Indiana farm country reflects an effort to appeal to such voters.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Oct. 2024
And key to those examples (from Apple, General Motors and even Starbucks' own past history) is a leader's ability to restore employee confidence in themselves and one another first.
—Hope King, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for key to
Dictionary Entries Near key to
Cite this Entry
“Key to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20to. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
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