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 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

Japanese shoppers were key to LVMH’s single-digit revenue growth, while those in the U.S. and Europe showed a limited yet positive appetite. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 17 Apr. 2024

Hyaluronic Acid: Hydration is key to supporting elasticity. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024

However, exploring Phoenix may be key to understanding what makes the city unique. —Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 15 Apr. 2024

President Joe Biden won Wisconsin by about 21,000 votes in 2020, a defeat that was key to Trump's reelection loss that year. —Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024

But again, there’s been an equal reaction: Republicans have picked up support among white voters, especially those without a college degree and those living in rural areas — two groups that have been key to former President Trump’s support. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024

One of the marks of healthy skin is a radiant complexion—and the best sunscreen for glowing skin is key to achieving next-level luminosity. —Kathleen Suico, Allure, 13 Apr. 2024

Herron said framing her bill as a victims’ rights measure and support from cosponsor Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, a retired state police major, were both key to getting her bill passed. —Rebecca Grapevine, The Courier-Journal, 12 Apr. 2024

Marco Costa’s propulsive editing is key to sustaining the film’s unflagging vitality, leaving us no time to get lost in its nonlinear time jumps. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024