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

The curbing of international migration comes as some economists and population experts have argued that more immigrants will be key to growing the economy in Milwaukee and Wisconsin – especially with a declining birth rate and projections of a shrinking population. —Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 18 Feb. 2026

At the same time, Republicans have lost some ground on the issues that were key to Trump’s reelection — the economy and immigration. —Linley Sanders, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Our just-in-time approach to the curriculum has been another key to our success. —Tammi Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

To be sure, the key to keeping the market afloat amid this big rotation is the retail investor. —Fred Imbert, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for key to

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