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
Best Wayfair Early Black Friday Decor Deals Decor is the key to making a space feel warm and inviting, and this sale is bursting with cozy pieces to personalize your home.
—
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Boorman is the key to this docu’s success with a terrific recall of all events surrounding the film, his hopes for it, and especially his deep disappointment in the aftermath.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Lock all windows and doors, and change the locks just in case the tenant had given keys to someone else.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Butler identified Kuminga as a big key to the Warriors' fine play and their championship hopes.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
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.
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Boorman is the key to this docu’s success with a terrific recall of all events surrounding the film, his hopes for it, and especially his deep disappointment in the aftermath.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Lock all windows and doors, and change the locks just in case the tenant had given keys to someone else.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Butler identified Kuminga as a big key to the Warriors' fine play and their championship hopes.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
Cite this Entry
“Key to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20to. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share