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
Lawyers told ProPublica that determining ill intent would be key to prosecute.
—
Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
Miran’s promise to resist political pressure, however, is key to reassuring financial markets, which have reacted badly to Trump’s campaign against the central bank.
—semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
The city's restaurants, cafés, and bars reflect the diversity of Chicago's neighborhoods, and knowing where to stay is the key to having convenient access to the best spots.
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
And that trust fall begins with the green dot, who relays the calls, and the keys to everyone on the field.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
Miran’s promise to resist political pressure, however, is key to reassuring financial markets, which have reacted badly to Trump’s campaign against the central bank.
—semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
The city's restaurants, cafés, and bars reflect the diversity of Chicago's neighborhoods, and knowing where to stay is the key to having convenient access to the best spots.
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
And that trust fall begins with the green dot, who relays the calls, and the keys to everyone on the field.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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