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

Wellness initiatives—which are covered by health insurance, when applicable—to improve nutrition and exercise and that teach skills around stress management and sleep will be key to helping women manage their menopause symptoms more effectively. —Shirley Velasquez, Flow Space, 11 May 2026

At Forefront, Shirazi’s role has been key to the company’s physical expansion. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 11 May 2026

The key to reestablishing the constitutional role of Congress in the decision to go to war is redefining the point at which presidential notification of an intention to engage in a military action is required. —James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026

Understanding the boundaries of your claim is key to surviving scrutiny. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026

Rhymes for key to

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