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

Sguros surrendered the keys to the property before the company’s attorney filed an unlawful detainer action, the affidavit said. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026

The key to making animal print look elegant is to not overthink it. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 21 Oct. 2026

The Lakers are turning the keys to the franchise over to Luka Dončić. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

For Miller, the fact that Pike is a mother was key to her portrayal. — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for key to

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