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
This can also disrupt your ability to fall asleep, and evidence shows that consistent sleep is key to good mental health.
—
Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024
That includes manufacturing mRNA — the genetic material that tells your body how to make proteins — which was key to the COVID-19 vaccine.
—Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024
Gilgeous-Alexander assisted on two of the Thunder’s four 3-pointers during the run, then added the exclamation point on the stretch by sinking a 3-pointer from the top of the key to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
—Staff and Wire Report, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2024
Distribution in movie theaters and beyond is also key to Universal in unlocking earnings power and gaining the confidence to make bold choices, especially at a time when Disney’s Marvel and Lucasfilm have returned to the drawing board after a string of creative misfires.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 May 2024
The impact of functionalism The functionalist movement’s beginnings compounded technology with the key to shaping our cities in a new way.
—Carlos Moreno, Fortune, 7 May 2024
Read more Biden's Holocaust memorial speech holds key to presidential future
Seven months after Hamas launched its Oct. 7 attack, President Joe Biden will address the Holocaust memorial ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
—Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024
One complaint alleges a person without access rights used a rights holders’ key to access the ranch to gather firewood in January.
—Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, 5 May 2024
The biggest key to success, was not just the machinery that was put in place, but the mind to run it – Louis B. Mayer.
—Chris Yogerst, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Apr. 2024
Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024
That includes manufacturing mRNA — the genetic material that tells your body how to make proteins — which was key to the COVID-19 vaccine.
—Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024
Gilgeous-Alexander assisted on two of the Thunder’s four 3-pointers during the run, then added the exclamation point on the stretch by sinking a 3-pointer from the top of the key to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
—Staff and Wire Report, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2024
Distribution in movie theaters and beyond is also key to Universal in unlocking earnings power and gaining the confidence to make bold choices, especially at a time when Disney’s Marvel and Lucasfilm have returned to the drawing board after a string of creative misfires.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 May 2024
The impact of functionalism The functionalist movement’s beginnings compounded technology with the key to shaping our cities in a new way.
—Carlos Moreno, Fortune, 7 May 2024
Read more Biden's Holocaust memorial speech holds key to presidential future
Seven months after Hamas launched its Oct. 7 attack, President Joe Biden will address the Holocaust memorial ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
—Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024
One complaint alleges a person without access rights used a rights holders’ key to access the ranch to gather firewood in January.
—Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, 5 May 2024
The biggest key to success, was not just the machinery that was put in place, but the mind to run it – Louis B. Mayer.
—Chris Yogerst, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'key to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 18 May. 2024.
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