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

But high-resolution Surveying—gathering exhaustive and detailed information about a very narrow topic—is the key to unlocking the learning potential of imitation. —Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

When New Priorities Meet Ground Truth Early in my consulting career, an automotive organization decided to elevate its customer experience by having service technicians personally return keys to customers after repairs. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Powell said the Fed’s political separation is key to ensuring credibility long term during Wednesday’s press conference. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026

Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Staying healthy is key to the quest for glory in Milano Cortina, so athletes are deploying the latest science. —Outside, 28 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for key to

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