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
Live game stats provided by leagues are key to the sports world’s relationship with the gambling industry.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
The key to raising emotionally resilient kids is the ability to repair.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Packers reporter Tom Silverstein offers his keys to the game.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
These official letters act as a sort of income verification and are therefore key to obtaining aid like housing assistance, fuel assistance and help from nonprofits.
—The Npr Network, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
The key to raising emotionally resilient kids is the ability to repair.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Packers reporter Tom Silverstein offers his keys to the game.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
These official letters act as a sort of income verification and are therefore key to obtaining aid like housing assistance, fuel assistance and help from nonprofits.
—The Npr Network, NPR, 24 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 25 Oct. 2025.
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