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
The key to this step is balancing ambition with practicality.
—
Adam Stott, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Baldoni’s non-fiction series was key to establishing his credentials as a producer of commercial projects with a tenderhearted spin.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
The three keys to victory became a crucial part of the Titans’ identity.
—Chad Graff, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
What is the key to successfully managing you busy daily schedule?
—Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for key to 
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Adam Stott, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Baldoni’s non-fiction series was key to establishing his credentials as a producer of commercial projects with a tenderhearted spin.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
The three keys to victory became a crucial part of the Titans’ identity.
—Chad Graff, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
What is the key to successfully managing you busy daily schedule?
—Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2025
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 1 Feb. 2025.
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