KEYS Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

keys 1 of 2

noun

plural of key

as in scales

an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart in order to know what those dotted lines represent, you'll need to look at the key

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in tickets

something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal a good education is the key to success

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in doors

the means or right of entering or participating in he had found the key to her heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

keys

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of key

as in reconciles

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of keys

Noun

Two of the strongest options are hardware security keys and passkeys. —

Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 All three versions share the same core smart features, including fingerprint unlocking, NFC access, passcodes, app controls, voice assistant support and old-skool physical keys for backup access. —

Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Brian Hooker told authorities that his wife fell from an 8-foot dinghy during a nighttime ride in the Abacos and was swept away with the boat keys, leaving him unable to restart the engine and forcing him to paddle for hours before reaching shore, CBS News previously reported. —

Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 27 May 2026 The exhibition’s denim collages — cacti, mountains, fences, car keys — frame AI as the latest version of an old American sales pitch. —

Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 26 May 2026 Convenience is key, and this chic crossbody delivers hands-free functionality with easy access to essentials like a phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses and passport. —

Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2026 Rooms Across the 30 keys are a handful of different accommodation types. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026 The pitcher and his coaches discussed focusing on previously successful drills and keys in his delivery as possible solutions to his struggles. —

Dan Hayes, New York Times, 21 May 2026 The house band includes Fabian on drums, Gabe Lariza on bass, Saxy Cat on saxophone, Some Guy Bran on guitar and Tia Mae on keys. —

Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026

Verb

Bob Iger is beginning a fresh phase after recently handing the Disney keys over to new CEO Josh D’Amaro, and this era includes some new awards. —

Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026 WhatsApp, Signal, and Apple iMessages all offer E2EE, which places the encryption keys for the messages only on the sender and recipient devices. —

Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026 Brian Hooker told officials that his wife, Lynette Hooker, fell off their eight-foot dinghy during a trip from Hope Town to Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands after the couple left on the night of Saturday, April 4, taking the boat keys with her and causing the engine to shut off. —

Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026 Be sure to keep cars locked and keys out of reach of children, Fennell said. —

Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 The senior first baseman/pitcher is one of the area’s top hitters and keys the Panthers’ playoff hopes. —

Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026 Microsoft handed the government encryption keys for customer data. —

Tom Warren, The Verge, 29 Jan. 2026 Eco effort The hotel adheres to Hyatt’s global standards for sustainability, with robust waste and recycling initiatives, extensive energy and water recycling programs, and the use of World of Hyatt digital keys through your phone, to reduce the number of plastic room keys in use. —

Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026 Zella’s Move In Pocket Joggers feature a side-zip security pocket to keep small items like cards and keys safe, and they’re currently marked down to just $30. —

Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for keys

Noun

The problem is that competitive logic scales beautifully while human beings do not.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
The campaign sponsors have varying missions, but they are aligned in the belief that homeownership is unattainable for many San Diegans and that the city should create housing policies that tip the scales to favor those who need more assistance.

— Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026