1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
maintains that Sir Isaac Newton remains the key figure in physical science
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
first—and this is key—I wasn't even there that evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in gateway
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal
a good education is the key to success
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in access
the means or right of entering or participating in
he had found the key to her heart
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to reconcile
to bring to a state free of conflicts, inconsistencies, or differences
her response was perfectly keyed to the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of key
Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
One key part of the tradition is the message the cadets and midshipmen wear across their backs, which remains confidential until the ceremony.
—Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 14 Dec. 2024
Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
The fork lowers, chain, and even ignition key get gold detailing to match.
—New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024
Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2024
Three completions to Skyler Bell keyed UConn’ first sustained drive, and Fagano finished with a five-yard pass to Louis Hansen for the touchdown.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for key 
Adjective
For him, this is the key divide in American politics.
—Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
One key part of the tradition is the message the cadets and midshipmen wear across their backs, which remains confidential until the ceremony.
—Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
The key for the defense will be consistently pressuring Jones to force him into errant throws in the pocket.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
The fork lowers, chain, and even ignition key get gold detailing to match.
—New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
But look for a play-action touchdown to Troy Franklin to key the victory as Denver takes over in the second half, turning everybody’s favorite backup, Jameis Winston, into a turnover machine.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2024
Three completions to Skyler Bell keyed UConn’ first sustained drive, and Fagano finished with a five-yard pass to Louis Hansen for the touchdown.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
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Assad's fall came after his main backers, Russia, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, were either distracted or weakened by other conflicts.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
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The home's main entrance consists of double glass doors that open onto the living room.Adam Williams, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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His five-year pro bono initiative provides crucial guidance to Veteran organizations, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success.Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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Patience and persistence are crucial in navigating these hurdles.Mustafa Gandhi, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In the culinary world, that spirit reveals itself in simple ingredients turning into delicious symphonies inclusive to this Eastern European land, igniting the nation’s residents, the Polish diaspora, and those keen to discover new, authentic tastes to unite over the Alexandra Foods dining table.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
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The wedding party and parents sat in the ceremony chairs on either side of the couple on the dance floor and everyone else stayed at their table.Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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White was the gateway to silvers and clears and shiny.Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024
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Dar Ahlam is a beautiful renovation and realization of a 200-year-old kasbah near Ouarzazate, at the gateway to the Sahara Desert.Ann Abel, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Please consider a subscription to get unlimited digital access.Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 8 Dec. 2024
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For renters, whose heat is often controlled by a landlord, the state has certain laws in place protecting their heat access through the winter.Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The delegations left the meetings with a task to reconcile domestic policies with international commitments, particularly on fossil fuel reduction and renewable energy investments.Monica Sanders, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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Seduction brings the poem’s central predicament—how to reconcile free will and divine decree—down from Heaven to Earth.Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Nvidia has been the primary beneficiary of the ongoing artificial intelligence boom, with its next-generation AI chip Blackwell now in focus.Shafi Musaddique, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
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Yes, the New York Mets offered the most money, and although neither Soto nor Boras will say it, that’s as primary a factor as any in his decision to sign with the Mets.Tim Britton, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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But Hurts hasn’t been reliable on a passer in critical scenarios.Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
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Proper irrigation is critical, even when leaves have fallen from plants.Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near key
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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