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
Tinsley’s performance also was key to helping the Bruins stay in the game.
—
Tim Willert, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Surprising but inevitable is the key to great writing, and Nick Cage is the human cheat code.
—Oren Uziel, IndieWire, 1 June 2026
Empathetic questions are the key to having a productive conversation that will encourage openness and build trust.
—Christopher Kaufman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The key to keeping this color elevated is impeccable nail prep and ultraglossy finishes.
—Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Tim Willert, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Surprising but inevitable is the key to great writing, and Nick Cage is the human cheat code.
—Oren Uziel, IndieWire, 1 June 2026
Empathetic questions are the key to having a productive conversation that will encourage openness and build trust.
—Christopher Kaufman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The key to keeping this color elevated is impeccable nail prep and ultraglossy finishes.
—Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 1 June 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 3 Jun. 2026.
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