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

And one of the keys to victory was Florida’s ability to beat Carolina’s forecheck. —Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Monitor The Shifts In Your Environments The key to thriving is environmental awareness. —John Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Weaver said with a smile when asked what the key to efficiency is. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025

Tax on university endowments and overhaul of student loans A wholesale revamping of the student loan program is key to the legislation, providing $330 billion in budget cuts and savings. —Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025

Rhymes for key to

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