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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of key
Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Acknowledging these feelings without judgment is key.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
Chris Haslam, WIRED, 19 Feb. 2025
But the key is to listen for information that could ultimately impact a bank’s financial model and, therefore, earnings projections.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The historic 5-under 67 round by Rose is keyed by a back-nine 31.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Musk’s exact role could be key in the legal fight over DOGE’s access to government data as the Trump administration moves to lay off thousands of federal workers.
—Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Acknowledging these feelings without judgment is key.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
The key is to use a fabric that won’t scratch and will minimize static build-up.
—Chris Haslam, WIRED, 19 Feb. 2025
But the key is to listen for information that could ultimately impact a bank’s financial model and, therefore, earnings projections.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
The Mahomes to Kelce connection continued to key the Chiefs attack on their epic 13-play 7:44 drive.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The historic 5-under 67 round by Rose is keyed by a back-nine 31.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Egg is one of the nine main food allergens, along with milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts and sesame.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The contemporary digs took two years to rebuild and transform into a tropical oasis that includes main and guest residences, each with a swimming pool of its own.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Gold, which is universally recognized and not tied to credit or another counterparty, is a crucial reserve.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
-
For animals like dogs, cats, and monkeys, ear movement helps track sounds, which is crucial for detecting predators or prey.—
Clarissa Brincat,
Popular Science,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
And the charge Jones drew on Bogdan Bogdanović with 1:53 remaining set the table for the Bulls to attempt — and, ultimately, fail — to pull off the upset win.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
-
He is expected to lead off for the Royals and set the table in front of Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
San Diego Public Libraries serve as gateways to education and equity.—
Patrick Stewart,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Port of Los Angeles Trade with China, its longtime top trade partner and the top gateway for U.S.-China trade, rose a relatively modest 7.62%.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Fans can register for pre-sale access in advance here.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Matte said staff also spend significant time driving between locations to access archival, archaeological and museum collections.—
Nick Rosenberger,
Idaho Statesman,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Preventing it from happening again, as Vance pledged to do at Dachau, Scholz said, cannot be reconciled with support for the AfD. More is at stake than German politics.—
Massimo Calabresi/Dachau,
TIME,
22 Feb. 2025
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The story itself was a typically innocent Shirley Temple tale, in this a young girl who tries to reconcile her parents and her grandfather after her mother marries a Yankee.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In the past two years, 55% to 60% of clients have been men who cited sports wagering as their primary type of gambling, Whelan said.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
-
The motion also would have quashed the grand jury selected to investigate the Jan. 16 Democratic primary runoff for the 21st District senatorial seat.—
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
arkansasonline.com,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Pope updates:Francis attends Mass hours after 'respiratory crisis,' remains critical What is a polymicrobial infection?—
John Bacon,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
-
This is the first and most critical question to answer.—
Jennifer Sodini,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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