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 to

The 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

Democrats have their eye on Maine, which would be key to their efforts to retake the Senate. —Adrianne Wright, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026

Your Stranger Things director-producer Shawn Levy now has the keys to the MCU and Star Wars. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Teens in Relationships The key to exchanging gifts at this young age is to keep things low-key rather than spending a lot of money, according to experts. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 11 Feb. 2026

The key to what makes the Sadie so great is its subtle functionality. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for key to

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou