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 to

The 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

While park conditions can often be dangerous, from high heat to landslides, the key to a safe national park visit is being well-informed and prepared. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 June 2026

The company is viewed as a key to the continent’s rearmament push that has benefited defense companies like Rheinmetall, Saab, and BAE Systems. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 22 June 2026

The key to modernizing the pinkish-orange color in 2026 is to wear it in loose, easy silhouettes. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 June 2026

That experiential angle will be key to SRVC’s future. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

Rhymes for key to

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou