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

Half of Americans say cultural diversity is key to the fabric of the nation. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 8 June 2026

According to designer Lauren Lerner, pushing the furniture to the perimeter is the key to preventing a claustrophobic look and feeling. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 8 June 2026

With multiple roads being blocked off around the National WWI Museum and Memorial, public transit and walking will be key to getting to the Fan Fest grounds. —Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026

Continuous education Data is key to AI’s ability to continuously learn. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

Rhymes for key to

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