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

However, the case is now headed for pretrial discovery, where both sides will be required to provide evidence, including emails, studies and sworn testimony, on the technological issues that are key to the case. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 July 2026

Nurturing Corporate Taste and valuing employees are key to maintaining this unique advantage. — Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

How all the new pieces fit will be the key to TCU getting to double-digit wins for the first time since 2022. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026

The key to wearing boots without sweltering in the summer heat is to play with proportion. — Drew Elovitz, InStyle, 28 July 2026

Rhymes for key to

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