key to
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
Timing the electrical boost and recharging is the key to tactical racing.
—
James Ellingworth, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Working with wet hair is key to this process.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 4 May 2026
Education is key to the Goldrich, and two classrooms next to the gallery can be combined into one, and can also serve as safe rooms in the event of emergency, said Belzberg.
—Solvej Schou, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
Spurs, who have won just once in the league at Stamford Bridge since 1990, play Chelsea on May 19 in a game that could be key to their survival hopes.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for key to
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James Ellingworth, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Working with wet hair is key to this process.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 4 May 2026
Education is key to the Goldrich, and two classrooms next to the gallery can be combined into one, and can also serve as safe rooms in the event of emergency, said Belzberg.
—Solvej Schou, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
Spurs, who have won just once in the league at Stamford Bridge since 1990, play Chelsea on May 19 in a game that could be key to their survival hopes.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
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 5 May. 2026.
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