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 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
Making money fast and paying less in interest is key to profitable car sales.
—
Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
After both the House and Senate adopted a budget resolution that serves as a blueprint earlier this month, congressional committees are set to begin work this week on the massive plan key to implementing Mr. Trump's priorities on border security, defense, energy and taxes.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
These reflections hold the key to leading with intention and living a career of significance.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Still, Ukrainian military and intelligence officials have assessed that the North Koreans gained crucial battlefield experience and have been key to Russia’s strategy of overwhelming Ukraine by throwing large numbers of soldiers into the battle for Kursk.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
After both the House and Senate adopted a budget resolution that serves as a blueprint earlier this month, congressional committees are set to begin work this week on the massive plan key to implementing Mr. Trump's priorities on border security, defense, energy and taxes.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
These reflections hold the key to leading with intention and living a career of significance.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Still, Ukrainian military and intelligence officials have assessed that the North Koreans gained crucial battlefield experience and have been key to Russia’s strategy of overwhelming Ukraine by throwing large numbers of soldiers into the battle for Kursk.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
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 4 May. 2025.
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