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
One reason for the rising popularity of appetizers, Pazzanese says, is their link to promotions, which are key to getting Americans to spend in the current economic environment.
—
Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025
Beaming solar power down to the lunar surface will be key to NASA’s plans to establish a permanent human presence there.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025
Southerners love a bargain, and often, retailers like Sam's Club are the key to saving a few bucks.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
The two said the key to their success was a positive mindset.
—Christopher Kuhagen, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025
Beaming solar power down to the lunar surface will be key to NASA’s plans to establish a permanent human presence there.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025
Southerners love a bargain, and often, retailers like Sam's Club are the key to saving a few bucks.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
The two said the key to their success was a positive mindset.
—Christopher Kuhagen, USA Today, 11 Dec. 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 16 Dec. 2025.
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