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 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
Proper watering, pruning, and feeding are key to achieving bigger rose blooms.
—
Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 25 May 2026
Understanding where your money goes is the key to achieving any financial goal.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
The key to making this question effective is to revisit it regularly, not just once.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Yet, as the Miami Heat well know, the key to such a gain often is grabbing a player in a freefall.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 25 May 2026
Understanding where your money goes is the key to achieving any financial goal.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
The key to making this question effective is to revisit it regularly, not just once.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Yet, as the Miami Heat well know, the key to such a gain often is grabbing a player in a freefall.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2026
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 1 Jun. 2026.
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