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
So all of those things, including some things like reducing costs, which are key to making a business healthy but not fun.
—
Ryan Baker, CNBC, 14 June 2025
Will a strong Club World Cup be a key to that title?
—Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Both scams can cause serious harm; awareness is key to prevention.
—Bojan Ilic, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Use alias email addresses Your email is often the key to your online identity and a common target for spam.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Ryan Baker, CNBC, 14 June 2025
Will a strong Club World Cup be a key to that title?
—Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Both scams can cause serious harm; awareness is key to prevention.
—Bojan Ilic, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Use alias email addresses Your email is often the key to your online identity and a common target for spam.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.
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